Reframing Trust in Citizen Science: Comparative Insights From Two German Initiatives

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Participatory Research
• Science Communication

Background:

• Citizen science (CS) initiatives often face expectations for trust-building rooted in policy and academic research.
• Existing frameworks frequently view trust as a passive outcome of participatory research processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine trust as a context-dependent mechanism within citizen science.
• To analyze how trust is built and managed through specific practices and commitments in CS projects.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative interviews, surveys, and document analysis were employed.
• A comparative case analysis of two distinct German CS initiatives was conducted.
• The study focused on the experiences of both project leads and volunteers.

Main Results:

• Trust in CS is identified as a mechanism, not merely an outcome, shaped by collaboration objectives and context.
• Methodological differences (e.g., standardized vs. interpretative) create distinct trust demands.
• Resource and power constraints reveal tensions between inclusion, knowledge production, and transfer.

Conclusions:

• Trust in citizen science is best understood as context-specific demands and practices, not a generalized outcome.
• Interpersonal trust can emerge from critiquing conventional research, questioning generalized trust frameworks.
• Understanding situated trust practices is crucial for effective CS collaboration and management.