Citizen Science/Citizen Science Typology
Background
As an umbrella term, 'citizen science' covers various definitions and nuanced conceptualizations. Often the differences between various terms and related phrases are not just semantics, but manifestations of distinct scholarly practices and research methods that share the moniker citizen science instead. These distinctions can be based on unique research cultures that exist within certain communities or disciplines, but some also reflect that methodologies may evolve over time.
Classifying the many different approaches to citizen science based on specific criteria can therefore be helpful for exploring various questions or practical applications: from gaining a broader understanding of what citizen science is (and is not), to choosing a suitable research method for a researc project, to aligning it with a discipline's own research culture, or purposefully synthesizing all of it for an interdisciplinary approach.
Types
Citizen science approaches can be distinguished by type. Classification schemes can be based on:
- Participation governance models (contributory, collaborative, co-created)
- Level of citizen involvement (from passive sensing to collaborative problem definition)
- Scientific domain focus (biodiversity, climate, astronomy, social sciences)
- Geographic scope and coordination patterns
- Primary project goals (research, education, action, conservation)
Methods/Methodologies
Mapping the citizen science landscape based on methodologies distinguishes different models based on research design and scientific strategies including:
- Data collection protocols and quality assurance procedures
- Participant engagement strategies and training approaches
- Technology platforms and digital tools used
- Evaluation and impact assessment frameworks
- Communication and feedback mechanisms
Types
Participatory action research (PAR)[1]
Examples of PAR by UVic affiliates
- Gallagher, E. M., & Scott, V. J. (1997). The STEPS Project: Participatory Action Research to Reduce Falls in Public Places Among Seniors and Persons with Disabilities. Canadian Journal of Public Health, 88(2), 129–133. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03403876
Methodologies
Challenge-based innovation workshops
- Used in: Crowd4SDG
More info coming soon
GEAR (Gather, Evaluate, Accelerate, Refine)
References
- ↑ Cornish, F., Breton, N., Moreno-Tabarez, U., Delgado, J., Rua, M., de-Graft Aikins, A., & Hodgetts, D. (2023). Participatory action research. Nature Reviews Methods Primers, 3(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43586-023-00214-1