Lincoln Larson
North Carolina State University
Dr. Lincoln Larson is an Assistant Professor in the Dept. of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management in NC State University's College of Natural Resources. His work focuses on human dimensions of natural resource management.
Citizen science has the potential to make significant contributions to wildlife management science and policy, yet little is known about citizen scientists and the factors that drive them to volunteer for projects. To answer this question, we studied participants in Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count (CBC), the nation’s longest-running citizen science bird project. Our goal was to identify the range of motivations driving initial and continuing participation in the project
Following the annual count in 2016, we contacted the 2,200 CBC data compilers in the United States and asked them to complete a web survey and forward the questionnaire to all observers in their respective circles. Approximately 25% of compilers who received the initial invitation responded. We also received responses from about 2,500 other observers, resulting in a total effective sample of 3,312 citizen science volunteers.
Our 16-item motivation scale was developed following consultations with past CBC participants, program managers, and previous studies focused on citizen science motivations. We asked respondents to rate each item on a scale from 1=“Not at all important” to 5=“Very important.” Exploratory factor analysis revealed 6 primary categories of motivations: science and conservation (3 items, M=4.37, α=0.828, λ=5.58), outdoor recreation and discovery (3 items, M=4.08, α=0.647, λ=1.02), commitment and tradition (3 items, M=3.83, α=0.618, λ=0.82), social interaction (3 items, M=3.32, α=0.753, λ=0.89), classic birding (2 items, M=2.83, α=0.849, λ=1.94), and personal accomplishment (2 items, M=2.62, α=0.717, λ=1.26). According to respondents, the most important factors driving initial participation in the CBC were science and conservation (reported by 40%), social interaction (26%) and classic birding (15%). A shift was observed for continuing participation, with science and conservation (55%) and commitment and tradition (13%) rising in importance, and other factors falling.
Results suggest that (1) citizen scientists are drawn to projects like the CBC for many different reasons, and (2) commitment to advancing science and conservation grows more important as their participation in the project progresses. For a project to endure, it needs to produce scientific and conservation outcomes evident to participants. Future research should explore motivations influencing participation in other wildlife-oriented citizen science projects.
Topics: Engaging with the Public , Topics: Nonconsumptive Use , Topics: Collaborative Conservation
