Learning and Motivation in Citizen Science

Sunday, 16 February 2014
Columbus AB (Hyatt Regency Chicago)
Carsten Oesterlund , Syracuse University, Syracuse , NY
Online citizen science projects support public engagement in scientific research processes. However, it remains an open question what motivates citizens to participate and learn about science and the scientific process. Until recently, research investigating citizen science projects has conceptualized learning and motivation as a potential consequence of individual participation. The present research explores the intersection of individual and collective types of participation and learning in Zooniverse citizen science projects. We discuss learning as legitimate peripheral participation in scientific communities and describe the various types of participation and resources that new users engage as they learn to contribute to science in Zooniverse.