Decision-making of citizen scientists when recording species observations

Author:

Bowler Diana E.,Bhandari Netra,Repke Lydia,Beuthner Christoph,Callaghan Corey T.,Eichenberg David,Henle Klaus,Klenke Reinhard,Richter Anett,Jansen Florian,Bruelheide Helge,Bonn Aletta

Abstract

AbstractCitizen scientists play an increasingly important role in biodiversity monitoring. Most of the data, however, are unstructured—collected by diverse methods that are not documented with the data. Insufficient understanding of the data collection processes presents a major barrier to the use of citizen science data in biodiversity research. We developed a questionnaire to ask citizen scientists about their decision-making before, during and after collecting and reporting species observations, using Germany as a case study. We quantified the greatest sources of variability among respondents and assessed whether motivations and experience related to any aspect of data collection. Our questionnaire was answered by almost 900 people, with varying taxonomic foci and expertise. Respondents were most often motivated by improving species knowledge and supporting conservation, but there were no linkages between motivations and data collection methods. By contrast, variables related to experience and knowledge, such as membership of a natural history society, were linked with a greater propensity to conduct planned searches, during which typically all species were reported. Our findings have implications for how citizen science data are analysed in statistical models; highlight the importance of natural history societies and provide pointers to where citizen science projects might be further developed.

Funder

Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft

FP7 People: Marie-Curie Actions

Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena

Publisher

Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Subject

Multidisciplinary

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