Citizen science is the collection of scientific data out in the field by members of the public to be used in larger scientific studies. A citizen scientist is any volunteer who collects such field data. Citizen scientists now participate in projects related to many areas including climate change, invasive species, ecological restoration and conservation, population ecology and water quality monitoring.
How useful is citizen science really?
Citizen science is useful in that it can cover large temporal and spatial extents- in other words, data is collected over a much wider area and can be taken over much longer time periods. This is often crucial for conservation biogeography. Citizen science is flexible and can be tailored to each individual project, with some projects involving general members of the public and others involving specially trained volunteers that . Even children can get involved, with specifically designed projects like Project Noah allowing easy uploading of photos, geographic location and date to build a database of biodiversity of flora and fauna. Especially with children, these kinds of projects can build a sense of community with the natural and social world, a sense of self-importance and understanding that research is not just for scientists. It's similar for adults too, in that citizen science and active participation promotes citizen engagement with nature and with science.
Most practically, citizen science provides cheap source of alternative labour for collecting data considering how expensive it can be to hire scientists, graduate students and field technicians. The increasing use of the internet and phone apps has only increased the ease and accessibility for volunteers to collect data, and for projects to promote themselves.
Is citizen science accurate/reliable?
There are some limitations. In asking volunteers to identify different species for example, volunteers may can often misidentify the species, thus affecting results. But it has been argued that with proper training, simple enough data collection methods and good project design, volunteer data can be reliable. Volunteer data can be validated for example by verifying every record, or calculating error margins, meaning data can be trusted.
How can citizen science projects engage more people to become citizen scientists?
There are some limitations. In asking volunteers to identify different species for example, volunteers may can often misidentify the species, thus affecting results. But it has been argued that with proper training, simple enough data collection methods and good project design, volunteer data can be reliable. Volunteer data can be validated for example by verifying every record, or calculating error margins, meaning data can be trusted.
How can citizen science projects engage more people to become citizen scientists?
- each project needs to have a clear hypothesis so that citizens know that the project is researching something worthwhile
- volunteers should get feedback on their contribution so they know they have invested their time well by participating
- develop easy participation methods, simple data collection instructions and guides as well as easy ways of sharing or submitting the data
- incorporate citizen science into education from an early age to get children growing up with the idea that the environment is important and that they can positively contribute to scientific inquiries and conservation efforts
- emphasize that citizen science projects are not just useful for conservation and scientific studies, but they are fun!
Some citizen science projects you can get involved in here in the UK:
- Big Garden Birdwatch- next official birdwatch is coming up 28th-30th January 2017; find a green space (your garden or a local park) and count the the maximum number of bird species you see at any one time! Go online to find out how to tell the birds apart or download the free starter pack from the RSPB. Over half a million people in the UK took part in the Big Garden Birdwatch in 2016; you can see the results here!
- UK Ladybird Survey- record your ladybird sightings online or through the iPhone and Android phone apps
- Observeatree- you an report any unusual pests, diseases or symptoms on trees to the Forestry Commission through Tree Alert online form. Specialist volunteers are also trained annually by Forest Research and Fera scientists to carry out site surveys and manage Tree Alert forms. While all 200 of the specialist Observeatree volunteer spots are filled for 2017, keep an eye out on these kinds of specialist volunteer roles that allow deeper involvement in projects and learning from experts in the field - sounds pretty cool to me!
Of course there are many more citizen science projects than these, meaning no matter what animals or plants or aspects of the environment you're interested in, there's sure to be some way to help out with your data collection. Just do a quick Google search and get involved!
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