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Process, not product: investigating recommendations for improving citizen science "success"
1Duke University, Marine Science and Conservation, Beaufort, North Carolina, United States of America. afreitag33@gmail.com
Plos One
|May 22, 2013
Summary
Citizen science project success varies by perspective. Published recommendations differ from those of program coordinators, who offer more localized advice for their specific missions.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Sociology
- Science Communication
Background:
- Citizen science programs are growing in popularity for public engagement and data collection.
- Published scientific literature offers one view of project success.
- Program coordinators provide an on-the-ground perspective.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare recommendations for citizen science success found in scientific literature with those from program coordinators.
- To understand differing perspectives on what constitutes success in citizen science.
Main Methods:
- A comparative analysis of recommendations from published scientific articles on citizen science projects.
- Interviews with program coordinators of citizen science initiatives in the United States.
Main Results:
- Published literature often focuses on generalizable recommendations for success.
- Program coordinators provided recommendations tailored to their specific project missions and local contexts.
- A universal definition of citizen science success is not apparent.
Conclusions:
- Citizen science success is subjective and depends on the viewpoint (researcher vs. coordinator).
- Recommendations for improving citizen science initiatives should consider the specific context and goals of each program.
- Future research should explore diverse perspectives to develop more effective strategies for citizen science program development.
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