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Peer-reviewed article

Motivations, learning and creativity in online citizen science

August 15, 2016 | Media and Technology, Public Programs
Online citizen science projects have demonstrated their usefulness for research, however little is known about the potential benefits for volunteers. We conducted 39 interviews (28 volunteers, 11 researchers) to gain a greater understanding of volunteers' motivations, learning and creativity (MLC). In our MLC model we explain that participating and progressing in a project community provides volunteers with many indirect opportunities for learning and creativity. The more aspects that volunteers are involved in, the more likely they are to sustain their participation in the project. These results have implications for the design and management of online citizen science projects. It is important to provide users with tools to communicate in order to supporting social learning, community building and sharing.

TEAM MEMBERS

  • Charlene Jennett
    Author
    University College London
  • REVISE logo
    Author
    Geneva University
  • Daniel Schneider
    Author
    Geneva University
  • Ioanna Iacovides
    Author
    University College London
  • Anna Cox
    Author
    University College London
  • Margaret Gold
    Author
    The Mobile Collective
  • Brian Fuchs
    Author
    The Mobile Collective
  • Alexandra Eveleigh
    Author
    University of Westminster
  • Kathleen Mathieu
    Author
    University College London
  • Zoya Ajani
    Author
    University College London
  • Yasmin Talsi
    Author
    The Mobile Collective
  • Citation

    ISSN : 1824-2049
    Publication Name: Journal of Science Communication
    Volume: 15
    Number: 3
    Resource Type: Research Products
    Discipline: General STEM
    Audience: General Public | Scientists
    Environment Type: Media and Technology | Websites, Mobile Apps, and Online Media | Public Programs | Citizen Science Programs

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