Paper Discussing Online Citizen Science Motivation

[rbpeake]

http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Ad ... #abstract0

Not much earth-shattering in this paper, but it is an interesting study.

One can see that FAH is successful by having implemented the following study conclusions: First, that "citizen science projects should strive to increase volunteers' commitment to the project and its goals. This could be done by communicating the project's mission and achievement to the volunteers."

Secondly, by realizing that "motivations could potentially be enhanced by creating a dynamic organization that would allow volunteers to gradually become more involved, and assume responsibility and authority....By [allowing] high-performing volunteers [to become] more empowered, would not only enhance citizen scientists' motivations, but may also reduce the load on professional scientists who could delegate some tasks, such as quality control, to volunteers with established track record." Not to mention the effort needed to run the Forum!