Designing feedback information to encourage users' participation performances in citizen science projects

Abstract

Providing feedback is a design intervention that can enhance users' motivation and engagement in various contexts. Yet, prior research on citizen science has not specifically investigated how the design of feedback information can influence user experience and contribution. Furthermore, whether the presentation of feedback information may affect the quantity and quality of user contribution also requires further investigation. Drawing upon the feedback intervention theory, we propose a research model to depict the influence of feedback types (descriptive vs. evaluative) and feedback valences (positive vs. negative) on self‐efficacy and enjoyment, which then affect the quantity and quality of contribution. We have developed an experiment website and will conduct an online experiment to validate our research model. The findings will provide the groundwork for feedback information design to enhance users' participation performance in citizen science projects.

Linking the motivations and outcomes of volunteers to understand participation in marine community science

“…Community science projects are dependent on the active engagement and collective drive of their volunteers [24]. To maximise volunteer contribution, projects must speak to the needs and concerns of their participants, with evaluative studies highlighting the importance of factoring such insights into projects [21,[34][35][36]. Monitoring the experiences of volunteers, as well as assessing the extent and impact of their engagement, are crucial components of ensuring both high participant retention levels and the ability of community science projects to realise desired outcomes [25,37].…”

“…Analysing volunteer motivations provides insight on what volunteers want to achieve through their participation, both regarding themselves and for others [21]. Motivations that are egoistical in nature often include intentions to develop personal knowledge and skillsets, to become more environmentally active, or to advance career prospects by gaining experience [24][25][26]36]. Studies have also revealed altruist motivations amongst volunteers, reflecting community science participants that have the extrinsic goal of benefiting wider society [25].…”

Goals and approaches in the use of citizen science for exploring plastic pollution in freshwater ecosystems: A review

“…Feedback is also noted to help with volunteer retention, by promoting 16 trust between academics and citizens (San Llorente Capdevila et al, 2020). This can work to enhance the motivation of participants and influence future engagement (Tang et al, 2019).…”

Citizen scientists: Unveiling motivations and characteristics influencing initial and sustained participation in an agricultural project

“…While technological advancements have lowered the threshold for participation, recruitment and retention remain a challenge in citizen science [ 3 , 9 – 12 ]. Participation is complex in nature.…”