Lec 6 Citizen Science Flashcards
Citizen Science:
Defined as the participation of non-scientists in scientific data gathering, following specific protocols. Examples include the “Great Backyard Bird Count” where individuals submit bird sightings, and bat population frequency recordings. Participants generally need enthusiasm for the subject, basic training, and adherence to protocols.
Bioblitz:
A collaborative event typically using platforms like iNaturalist to gather biodiversity data over a short period.
Describe some examples of current citizen science projects that are available to Canadians to participate in. What are the general requirements to participate?
Projects like the Great Backyard Bird Count and bat population studies offer Canadians opportunities to participate. Basic requirements include internet access, willingness to learn, and ability to follow project guidelines.
Identify advantages and disadvantages of using citizen volunteers to conduct science.
Advantages:
Extensive Data Collection: Citizens can collect vast amounts of data over large geographic areas.
Cost-Effective: Utilizing volunteers reduces the cost of research.
Public Engagement: Engages the public in science, raising awareness and education.
Diverse Perspectives: Brings a wide range of viewpoints and experiences to the research.
Disadvantages:
Variable Data Quality: Data collected by non-professionals may vary in accuracy.
Training Requirements: Volunteers often require training.
Data Bias: The possibility of biased data due to uneven sampling or misidentification.
Reliance on Volunteers: Projects can be affected by the availability and commitment of volunteers.
Justify the use of citizen science over your own effort for collecting data for a project.
Scale and Diversity of Data: Citizen science allows for data collection on a much larger scale and across diverse locations, something that would be difficult for an individual or a small team.
Cost-Effectiveness: Leveraging the efforts of volunteers can significantly reduce the costs associated with large-scale data collection.
Community Engagement: It promotes community involvement in scientific research, increasing public awareness and interest in the topic.
Resource Allocation: It frees up professional scientists to focus on data analysis and interpretation, rather than on the time-consuming process of data collection.
In summary, citizen science offers a practical and efficient method for gathering extensive data, engaging the public in scientific processes, and optimizing resource use in research projects.
Describe measures that can be taken to improve citizen science projects.
To improve citizen science projects, the following measures can be considered:
Effective Training: Providing thorough training for volunteers to ensure they understand the data collection process and the importance of accuracy.
Clear Protocols: Establishing straightforward, easy-to-follow protocols to minimize errors and inconsistencies in data collection.
Quality Control: Implementing checks and balances to verify and validate the data collected by volunteers.
Feedback and Support: Offering continuous feedback and support to maintain volunteer engagement and accuracy.
Technology Utilization: Leveraging technology, such as mobile apps and online platforms, for easier data submission and communication.
Acknowledgment of Contributions: Recognizing the contributions of citizen scientists to motivate continued participation and acknowledge their valuable input.
These measures focus on enhancing the accuracy, reliability, and engagement in citizen science projects.
Identify projects that would make good use of citizen scientists.
Projects that would make good use of citizen scientists often involve large-scale data collection, where the geographical spread and the volume of data required are substantial. These include:
Biodiversity Monitoring: Tracking species distribution and abundance, such as bird or butterfly counts.
Environmental Monitoring: Collecting data on air and water quality, or tracking changes in ecosystems.
Phenology Studies: Observing plant and animal life cycle events, like flowering times or migration patterns.
Astronomy Projects: Gathering observations of celestial events, like meteor showers.
Climate Change Research: Documenting local weather patterns, or effects of climate change on local environments.
Such projects benefit from the widespread and diverse data collection capabilities that citizen scientists can provide.
