Emergent Framing Phenomenon of Mosquito Citizen Science Program

The Baltimore Mosquito Project “Mosquito Stoppers,” is a citizen science collaboration between University of Maryland BC, The Cary Institute, and Rutgers University. This project is aimed at engaging local individuals of... [ view full abstract ]

The Baltimore Mosquito Project “Mosquito Stoppers,” is a citizen science collaboration between University of Maryland BC, The Cary Institute, and Rutgers University. This project is aimed at engaging local individuals of West Baltimore in mosquito control. Here, I will talk about how issue framing may effect the citizen scientist perception of individual contributions and motivation for participation. Our data show a gradient of individuals’ belief in personal efficacy in mosquito control, perception of mosquito effects on individuals’ every day lives, and perception of municipal efficacy in meeting public needs. Individuals were less likely to report that mosquitoes kept them from enjoying the outdoors post Mosquito Stoppers participation. Individuals who reported being satisfied with their municipalities handling of mosquitoes and pest dropped by half after participation. Belief in personal efficacy in mosquito remediation also increased post participation. There was no statistically significant difference in mosquito knowledge between pre and post participation of Mosquito Stoppers, yet participants ranked highly in mosquito knowledge at project outset. Emerging from our data, we see that framing of project goals (public health versus environmental stewardship) as an important driver of participant outcomes. It is long known that framing influences individuals perceptions and judgments. These preliminary data from the Mosquito Stoppers Program have led to further questions for my dissertation work, particularly within citizen scientists’ perceptions of participation and project framing.