Abstract:

Citizens have never had access to as much (mis)information as we do nowadays. We are witnessing a discrediting of science and an increase in denialist movements covering topics such as public health to planetary sustainability. When scientific knowledge is “just a click away”, it is necessary to involve citizens in science, so they become more critical and participative towards scientific matters. Engaging citizens in science enhances informed and reflected choices and opinions about scientific issues once they develop a more precise notion of science and scientific knowledge. Several initiatives from science education to dissemination are carried out to fill the gap between science and the citizen, among them citizen science activities. Citizen science lies in the active participation of non-scientist citizens in one or more stages of scientific research. Consequently, citizen science projects thrive on the active participation and involvement of citizens. Motivation is the starting point for the engagement of participants in citizen science projects. Knowing what moves a citizen to participate might increase the project’s impact and attract more volunteers. This ultimately brings science closer to citizens. The present research intended to evaluate the motivations of 99 volunteers (N=99) to engage in a citizen science project to develop the Earth system and geoethics from a PhD program. To this end, the researchers applied a translated and adapted scale to the Portuguese population to frame the citizen science approach to the idiosyncrasies and interests of the volunteers. The sample comprises 68 students (n1=68; 68.7%, average age: 16.9 years) and 31 senior citizens (n2=31; 31.3%, mean age: 73.0 years). The data collection instrument consisted of a 5-point Likert scale of 54 items corresponding to different motivations, such as the desire to learn, interest in science and/or technology or simply the willingness to help. The results were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis, and the alpha of Cronbach was calculated, indicating a high internal consistency of this instrument. The results showed that the students’ leading motivations are the desire to help (mean=4.60) and to have fun (mean=4.56) and the will to help wildlife (mean=4.54). On the other hand, seniors indicate that their primary motivations are the desire to do something new (mean=4.68), living in a safe environment (mean=4.68) and learning (mean=4.65). The results point out that motivations might differ with age according to needs since, for example, one of the seniors’ least significant motivations is to advance their careers (mean=1.65). Understanding volunteers’ motivations is essential to the citizen science projects for managing expectations, adapting strategies and roles, promoting its success, and engaging the citizens with science.

Keywords:

Citizen science, motivations, students, senior citizens.