Thinking scientifically during participation in a citizen-science project

TLDR

Citizen‑science projects recruit non‑scientists to collect data for research, and proponents argue that such participation enhances participants’ understanding of scientific processes beyond the creation of large databases, yet empirical evidence of this impact remains scarce. This study analyzes unsolicited letters from over 700 participants in a Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology citizen‑science project to assess the cognitive effects of participation. The authors reviewed the content of these unsolicited letters, treating them as qualitative evidence of participants’ engagement in scientific thinking. Nearly 80% of the letters indicated that participants engaged in scientific thinking, suggesting that the project offered a forum for such habits, though the study cannot prove causation and highlights misconceptions that need addressing. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Abstract

A movement has begun recently to involve nonscientists in scientific investigations through projects in which a range of individuals gather data for use by scientists to investigate questions of research importance. These projects are frequently referred to as citizen-science projects, and the benefits are assumed to extend beyond the production of important large databases. Those who argue in support of citizen-science projects assume that participants will increase their understanding about the process of science through this engagement in authentic science, in contrast to traditional, tightly scripted school laboratory investigations. However, very little research on the impact of participating in such projects has been carried out. This article examines the letters written by more than 700 participants in a citizen-science project conducted by the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. Of these letters, which were unsolicited and not connected with a formal evaluation, nearly 80% revealed that participants had engaged in thinking processes similar to those that are part of science investigations. We cannot state that participation in a citizen-science project caused this thinking, but we can say that participation provided a forum in which participants engaged in these habits of thought. The letters also raise some issues about some misunderstandings of science that citizen-science projects should strive to address. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Sci Ed 84:265–275, 2000.