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Jönsson M, Kasperowski D, Coulson SJ, Nilsson J, Bína P, Kullenberg C, Hagen N, van der Wal R, Peterson J. Inequality persists in a large citizen science programme despite increased participation through ICT innovations. AMBIO 2024; 53:126-137. [PMID: 37707687 PMCID: PMC10692043 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-023-01917-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Biological recording is a prominent and widely practised form of citizen science, but few studies explore long-term demographic trends in participation and knowledge production. We studied long-term demographic trends of age and gender of participants reporting to a large online citizen science multi-taxon biodiversity platform ( www.artportalen.se ). Adoption by user communities and continually developing Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) greatly increased the number of participants reporting data, but profound long-term imbalances in gender contribution across species groups persisted over time. Reporters identifying as male dominated in numbers, spent more days in the field reporting and reported more species on each field day. Moreover, an age imbalance towards older participants amplified over time. As the first long-term study of citizen participation by age and gender, our results show that it is important for citizen science project developers to account for cultural and social developments that might exclude participants, and to engage with underrepresented and younger participants. This could facilitate the breadth of engagement and learning across a larger societal landscape, ensure project longevity and biodiversity data representation (e.g. mitigate gender bias influence on the number of reports of different species groups).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Jönsson
- SLU Swedish Species Information Centre, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Dick Kasperowski
- Department of Philosophy, Linguistics and Theory of Science, Gothenburg University, Göteborg, Sweden
| | | | - Johan Nilsson
- SLU Swedish Species Information Centre, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Pavel Bína
- Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christopher Kullenberg
- Department of Philosophy, Linguistics and Theory of Science, Gothenburg University, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Niclas Hagen
- Department of Philosophy, Linguistics and Theory of Science, Gothenburg University, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - René van der Wal
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jesse Peterson
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Geography, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Hadad S, Zhitomirsky-Geffet M, Shah H, Rigler D, Celentano U, Tiensuu H, Röning J, Vallverdú J, Csabella EJ, Stepankova O, Gialelis J, Lantavou K, Ignat T, Masone G, Winter J, Dumitrasco M. Modeling intrinsic factors of inclusive engagement in citizen science: Insights from the participants' survey analysis of CSI-COP. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0294575. [PMID: 38015965 PMCID: PMC10684079 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Inclusive citizen science, an emerging field, has seen extensive research. Prior studies primarily concentrated on creating theoretical models and practical strategies for diversifying citizen science (CS) projects. These studies relied on ethical frameworks or post-project empirical observations. Few examined active participants' socio-demographic and behavioral data. Notably, none, to our knowledge, explored prospective citizen scientists' traits as intrinsic factors to enhance diversity and engagement in CS. This paper presents a new inclusive CS engagement model based on quantitative analysis of surveys administered to 540 participants of the dedicated free informal education MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) 'Your Right to Privacy Online' from eight countries in the EU funded project, CSI-COP (Citizen Scientists Investigating Cookies and App GDPR compliance). The surveys were filled out just after completing the training stage and before joining the project as active CSs. Out of the 540 participants who completed the surveys analyzed in this study, only 170 (32%) individuals actively participated as CSs in the project. Therefore, the study attempted to understand what characterizes these participants compared to those who decided to refrain from joining the project after the training stage. The study employed descriptive analysis and advanced statistical tests to explore the correlations among different research variables. The findings revealed several important relationships and predictors for becoming a citizen scientist based on the surveys analysis, such as age, gender, culture, education, Internet accessibility and apps usage, as well as the satisfaction with the MOOC, the mode of training and initial intentions for becoming a CS. These findings lead to the development of the empirical model for inclusive engagement in CS and enhance the understanding of the internal factors that influence individuals' intention and actual participation as CSs. The devised model offers valuable insights and key implications for future CS initiatives. It emphasizes the necessity of targeted recruitment strategies, focusing on underrepresented groups and overcoming accessibility barriers. Positive learning experiences, especially through MOOCs, are crucial; enhancing training programs and making educational materials accessible and culturally diverse can boost participant motivation. Acknowledging varying technological proficiency and providing necessary resources enhances active engagement. Addressing the intention-engagement gap is vital; understanding underlying factors and creating supportive environments can transform intentions into active involvement. Embracing cultural diversity through language-specific strategies ensures an inclusive environment for effective contributions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shlomit Hadad
- Department of Digital Learning Technologies, The Israel Academic College in Ramat-Gan, Raanana, Israel
| | | | - Huma Shah
- Department of Computational Science and Mathematical Modelling, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ulrico Celentano
- Biomimetics and Intelligent Systems Group, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Henna Tiensuu
- Biomimetics and Intelligent Systems Group, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Juha Röning
- Biomimetics and Intelligent Systems Group, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Jordi Vallverdú
- Philosophy Department, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eva Jove Csabella
- Philosophy Department, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olga Stepankova
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Assistive Technology, Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics and Cybernetics, The Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - John Gialelis
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Konstantina Lantavou
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Tiberius Ignat
- Immer Besser GmbH and SKS Knowledge Services, Munich, Germany
| | - Giacomo Masone
- Department of Computational Science and Mathematical Modelling, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Jaimz Winter
- Department of Computational Science and Mathematical Modelling, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Marica Dumitrasco
- Department of Science and Innovation Management Academy of Music, Theatre and Fine Arts, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
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Batsaikhan A, Jung S, Hachinger S. The state of online citizen science in Mongolia and its potential for environmental challenges. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289924. [PMID: 37578937 PMCID: PMC10424864 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Mongolia is a sparsely populated Asian country covered by vast steppes, deserts, and forests. Few studies have been conducted on Online Citizen Science (OCS) activities in Mongolia. This study aims to analyze the state of OCS in Mongolia and, in a further step, to place it in an international context by comparing it with Germany and Japan, where OCS is already well established. Mongolia faces several environmental challenges, including climate change, land-use change, and intensive urbanization. OCS can help address these environmental challenges. Quantitative, qualitative, and literature-based analyses were conducted in this study. OCS has become more relevant in Mongolia since 2013, where projects have been introduced internationally rather than locally. A comparison with Germany and Japan showed that the use of web technologies and the degree of citizen participation in OCS projects are similar in these countries; however, the link to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) may differ. To better respond to citizen needs and environmental challenges, additional local projects must be developed. Mongolia has the potential to enhance environmental monitoring and the networking of various actors using web technologies in citizen science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anudari Batsaikhan
- Leibniz Supercomputing Centre (LRZ) of the Bavarian Academy of Science and Humanities, Garching bei München, Germany
| | - Stephan Jung
- Rachel Carson Center for Environment and Society, Munich, Germany
- TUM School of Life Sciences, Ecoclimatology, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Stephan Hachinger
- Leibniz Supercomputing Centre (LRZ) of the Bavarian Academy of Science and Humanities, Garching bei München, Germany
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Dekramanjian B, Bartumeus F, Kampen H, Palmer JRB, Werner D, Pernat N. Demographic and motivational differences between participants in analog and digital citizen science projects for monitoring mosquitoes. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12384. [PMID: 37524770 PMCID: PMC10390545 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38656-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, citizen scientists help to map the distribution of native and introduced mosquito species in a variety of programs, contributing to environmental research and management decisions. Participant background, behavior, and engagement may vary depending on the project design, especially between those using digital apps and those using physical samples, which in turn may impact the quality and representativeness of the data collected. During the analysis of the responses to a survey directed at citizen scientists participating in a digital and an analog program, we found significant differences in the respondents' demographic backgrounds. Diverse participant motivations and varying sentiments towards mosquitoes were observed, indicating differing susceptibility in response to the program messages. The results can be translated into recommendations to further strengthen the appeal of citizen science projects and to promote and sustain public engagement in environmental research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berj Dekramanjian
- Department of Political and Social Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Frederic Bartumeus
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes (CEAB-CSIC), Blanes, Spain
- Centre de Recerca Ecològica i Aplicaicons Forestals (CREAF), Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Helge Kampen
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - John R B Palmer
- Department of Political and Social Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Doreen Werner
- Leibniz-Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Müncheberg, Germany
| | - Nadja Pernat
- Leibniz-Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Müncheberg, Germany.
- Institute of Landscape Ecology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
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Jäckel D, Mortega KG, Darwin S, Brockmeyer U, Sturm U, Lasseck M, Moczek N, Lehmann GUC, Voigt-Heucke SL. Community engagement and data quality: best practices and lessons learned from a citizen science project on birdsong. JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY 2022; 164:233-244. [PMID: 36254119 PMCID: PMC9558015 DOI: 10.1007/s10336-022-02018-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Citizen Science (CS) is a research approach that has become popular in recent years and offers innovative potential for dialect research in ornithology. As the scepticism about CS data is still widespread, we analysed the development of a 3-year CS project based on the song of the Common Nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos) to share best practices and lessons learned. We focused on the data scope, individual engagement, spatial distribution and species misidentifications from recordings generated before (2018, 2019) and during the COVID-19 outbreak (2020) with a smartphone using the 'Naturblick' app. The number of nightingale song recordings and individual engagement increased steadily and peaked in the season during the pandemic. 13,991 nightingale song recordings were generated by anonymous (64%) and non-anonymous participants (36%). As the project developed, the spatial distribution of recordings expanded (from Berlin based to nationwide). The rates of species misidentifications were low, decreased in the course of the project (10-1%) and were mainly affected by vocal similarities with other bird species. This study further showed that community engagement and data quality were not directly affected by dissemination activities, but that the former was influenced by external factors and the latter benefited from the app. We conclude that CS projects using smartphone apps with an integrated pattern recognition algorithm are well suited to support bioacoustic research in ornithology. Based on our findings, we recommend setting up CS projects over the long term to build an engaged community which generates high data quality for robust scientific conclusions. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10336-022-02018-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Jäckel
- Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, Berlin, Germany
- Life Sciences Faculty, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kim G. Mortega
- Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sarah Darwin
- Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrich Brockmeyer
- Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrike Sturm
- Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mario Lasseck
- Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nicola Moczek
- PLAN Institute for Architectural and Environmental Psychology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gerlind U. C. Lehmann
- Evolutionary Ecology, Department of Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Silke L. Voigt-Heucke
- Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, Berlin, Germany
- Animal Behaviour, Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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When Digital Mass Participation Meets Citizen Deliberation: Combining Mini- and Maxi-Publics in Climate Policy-Making. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14084656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The upcoming vogue of climate assemblies and other forms of mini-publics are to give citizens a central role in climate policy-making and to break the political impasse. Yet climate mini-publics face challenges in political environments too, such as co-option, favoring expert opinions, and losing touch with the broader public. To remedy such pitfalls, recent papers have argued to combine synchronous deliberations of small groups of citizens with online participation procedures for the larger public. In this article, we report the results of a three-step combination model, where first a mini-public in the region of Súdwest-Fryslân (NL) was given a “carte blanche” to draft the content and the parameters of several related policy alternatives. Second, their proposals were fed into a digital participation tool to consult the wider public. Third, a citizens forum translated the outcomes of the maxi-public into policy recommendations, which were unanimously approved by the municipal council. In this paper, we report our findings of combining mini- and maxi-publics and how the actors involved evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of the combination of these two participatory approaches.
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