Citizen Science

Begin by deciding what should be investigated.

Helpful questions include:

• What do we want to find out?
• Which issue should be better understood?
• What data are needed?
• What added value should the project create?

The research question should be clear, understandable, and realistic.

Decide at which stages citizens will be involved.

Possible roles include:

• developing the research question
• selecting research methods
• collecting data
• analysing data
• interpreting results
• communicating findings
• contributing to project management

The earlier participants become involved, the greater their influence on the project.

Consider which people have particularly relevant knowledge or experience.

Possible participants include:

• local residents
• young people
• older adults
• community organisations
• specialist interest groups
• schools
• interested members of the public

Everyone involved should understand:

• who is responsible for which tasks
• who makes decisions
• where support can be obtained
• how communication will take place

Clear roles promote trust and transparency.

Before data collection begins, determine:

• which data will be collected
• how the data will be stored
• who will have access
• how results will be published

At the start of the project, participants receive an introduction covering:

• project objectives
• timeline
• working methods
• individual tasks
• documentation procedures
• data protection requirements

Where necessary, training should be provided so that participants can apply the methods confidently and consistently.

The method of data collection depends on the research question.

For example:

• Interviews or surveys for collecting opinions
• Observations, mapping, or photographic documentation for studying the use of places

The methods should be easy for participants to understand and should enable comparable data collection.

Example:

If the project explores which places in a neighbourhood are perceived as unsafe, participants could:

• photograph locations (Photo Voice)
• mark them on a map (Community Mapping)
• record short written observations

Many methods from this collection can be combined within Citizen Science projects.

Collected information should be checked regularly.

Questions include:

• Are the data complete?
• Have they been documented clearly?
• Are there errors or inconsistencies?

Careful quality assurance increases the reliability of the findings.

Depending on the project, participants may also contribute to analysing the data.

Helpful questions include:

• Which patterns are emerging?
• What differences can be identified?
• Which relationships become visible?
• Which findings are surprising?

Collaborative analysis combines scientific methods with practical local knowledge.

The findings are discussed and interpreted together.

Questions include:

• What do the results tell us?
• Which conclusions can be drawn?
• Which questions remain unanswered?

Different perspectives often enrich the interpretation.

The results should be communicated in a clear and accessible way.

Possible formats include:

• reports
• presentations
• scientific publications
• websites
• exhibitions
• public events

Wherever possible, the results should be accessible to everyone involved.

Participants should receive feedback about:

• what has been achieved
• the knowledge that has been generated
• how the findings will be used

This demonstrates the value of their contribution.

Reflect on questions such as:

• Were the project objectives achieved?
• What experiences were gained?
• What worked well?
• What could be improved?

Many Citizen Science projects lead to continued activities, such as:

• ongoing data collection
• new research questions
• local networks
• policy or planning initiatives

Source: https://partizipation.at/partizipation-anwenden/methoden/