Motivations and Barriers to Participation in Citizen Science: The Case Study of the Hong Kong Jellyfish Project

Abstract

Citizen science projects are designed to encourage involvement of the public with science. Understanding demographics of participants and factors that motivate or create barriers to participation are central in ensuring citizen science is effective. Citizen science is not new to Asia, but its implementation is underrepresented in the published literature of that geographic area, with the current focus largely on Western countries. Here, we consider the experience of citizen scientists participating in the Hong Kong Jellyfish Project. Survey responses (N = 87) indicate demographics similar to other citizen science programs, with participant gender reflective of the general population, and participants typically in full-time employment and highly educated. The main motivating factors for participation were: the project had meaningful goals, and participants wanted to contribute to science and to learn more about jellyfish. The main barriers to participation were: not being aware that absence of jellyfish was a valid observation, lack of knowledge, and lack of time. Notably, survey responses indicate inclusive bilingual communication made the project more appealing to respondents, improved participation, and increased motivation. Interestingly, these results indicate demographic traits, motivating factors, and barriers to participation of citizen scientists in Hong Kong are similar to elsewhere, and further research should be conducted to see if the same patterns persist across other cultural contexts. Where recognized, these motivational factors and barriers can inform the design of citizen science projects to more effectively attract and engage participants.