Sunday, December 14, 2014

Debating the Roles of Scientific Utility and Personal Curiosity in Citizen Science Projects

As detailed last week, reviewing hundreds of science-based projects on the most popular crowdfunding has taught me a lot about how citizen science is viewed by the public.  I've also gained some insights into what makes a successful crowdfunding campaign and an unsuccessful one.  More on that in two weeks.  But it's also given me a lot of insight into the different types of citizen science as viewed from outside our field, and outside academia.  Perfect for better understanding the business of citizen science and how citizen scientists can take advantage of it.

The first of these is an increased appreciation for the role of curiosity in citizen science projects.  This has led me to begin considering a new model for classifying citizen science projects that shows some promise for better understanding people's interest in citizen science and identifying new opportunities for expanding the field. Applying it to our crowdfunding research and comparing the results with results from some other models we've used may provide a lot of insight.  But before going further a little background might be useful.

Some of the most important insights came from the various emails and comments I received to those posts.  One person in particular asked about the uBiome project that was funded through IndieGoGo back in early 2013.  This was quite a success story. While only requesting $100,000 they quickly doubled it and have since earned (since the campaign is still open) over $300,000.  All in addition to money they earn from sales directly from their web site.

This is a very exciting science project that has developed kits for genetically identifying the bacteria growing in each person's gut; these are sold to the public that send in their samples and receive back results on bacteria in their own bodies.  So uBiome was not just funded by the public, but it's main sales audience is the general public and their research data is derived from the public participants. It's a very good science project. But is it a citizen science project?

On the one hand the Indiegogo description itself talks a lot about citizen science and using the data as part of a large citizen science project.  In fact this brought it to my attention from the very beginning. It is also highly dependent on public participation as the primary data source that fuels their scientific research, and then returns that analyzed data back to the user.  So in some ways a user is running a scientific test on their own bodies and getting results.  After aggregating all these results uBiome will be mining the data for important and novel research on the role of gut bacteria on human health.  All of these make this look like a citizen science project at first glance, and I even included similar types of projects (Genographic Project and Wisdom Panel) which do similar things with human and pet ancestry.

On the other hand, when looking closely at the citizen science definitions I initially couldn't fit this in. It was not organized or designed by a private citizen...it is run by a for-profit company managed by Ph.D. Scientists. It does not involve citizens in the hypothesis creation or sample analysis. Even the larger data analysis is not available to public participants. They just receive their own results.  Once received, this information does not have any practical utility or potential impact on the citizen scientist.  They can't (yet) use if to make medical decisions like a genetic test would, or learn about their ancestry; it's main use instead is satisfying intellectual and personal curiosity.  The closest they can come is ordering multiple kits and tracking changes over time (or as variables like diet change) That's not a bad thing, but again it does not support the "citizen science" label.

The final argument is that by signing up and sending in their samples, the public is acting as a data collecting "contributor" in much the same way they would send in bird sightings or amateur sky observations.  This is one of the primary ways citizen scientists get their start and is the base of my levels of citizen science involvement model. And it's not just a passive involvement; in many cases participants can be very passionate about those projects and devote significant time and money to the project.  There's a great example in this week's most recent issue of Science magazine, where the author (who has written often about citizen science projects in the past) get's involved for the first time with a genetic testing project.  But it's not just for curiosity' among the many genes she is having tested include many cancer indicators that may potentially run in her family.  So she can use that data to influence her own medical choices and inform the rest of her family who may also share those genes.  Citizen science is not just a passing fancy for her; it could save her life. So this level of involvement remains an important way to participate.

There is one other important side issue here. If a person's sole contribution to a project is as a human subject, is it still citizen science. I personally would argue "No", but for variety of ethical reasons (including some with my current employer), I can't fully go into it.  But it would be a great topic for further discussion.

Ultimately they are about satisfying a personal curiosity but not in breaking new research ground. And that's not a bad thing. So I'm adding uBiome back to my Citizen Science Crowdfunding list and re-evaluating some others I'd previously not included.  So thank you all who brought these issues to my attention.

Going through all the background now leads us back to the main question..."How do we classify projects that are 'Kind of' citizen science?"  One possible solution I'm considering is looking at the scientific "Utility" of the expected research results, and measuring that utility by analyzing each project's expected breadth, utility, and novelty.  This is very much a work in progress, but in other words, 1) for academic or theoretical research, will the results be broadly applicable to many issues and the scientific community, or will it be specific to a certain person or problem; 2) for non-theoretical research,is the data useful to an individual or answering a specific problem, or is it mainly to satisfy curiosity; and 3) has this research data been created before or is new ground being broken with the research.  Those three factors should help us separate projects into the following four categories:


  1. Pure Research for Scientific Advancement: Addresses an issue of theoretical, academic, or general scientific interest.
  2. Applied Research and Analysis: Uses scientific research techniques to address a specific real-world problem.
  3. Curiosity Research: Uses scientific research techniques to answer an unknown question with little direct practical impact. On the citizen scientist?
  4. Scientific Activities:  These do not generate any new information and the results do not have any direct application; instead the activity has educational or non-practical goals.


It's important to note that these classifications by no means indicates "better" or "worse", or that one is more "worthy" than another. Instead I think it's useful in helping people expand their definitions by providing a structure to view these alternative models with.  I also think we can build this out and find some intriguing insights on things that work best in one model but less well in others.  So it should have a practical purpose. And hey, creating models is academically interesting too.

Will this model be useful?  Am I making distinctions that don't exist?  Are my definitions to narrow or are my biases showing?  Let's test the model and find out.  I'll start working on that now and present the results in a future post.  But if you have your own thoughts let me know in the comments below.

248 comments:

  1. Nice blog, it was very interesting. what you think about mud battery we can make a eco-friendly by using them

    ReplyDelete
  2. I like your all post. You have done really good work. I appreciate your working style at the end just my request is please share with us some more great post...

    ReplyDelete
  3. Especially beneficial looking forward to returning!

    Generic Viagra

    ReplyDelete
  4. Nice work with good ideas and concepts, lots of great information which we all need, helpful information. I would like to thank you for the efforts you shown remarkable writing skill in this article
    Tubelight Torrent
    Tubelight Torrent Download
    Tubelight Full Movie Download
    Tubelight Movie Torrent
    Tubelight Movie Download
    Tubelight Full Movie

    ReplyDelete
  5. It may be very onerous to mention once exactly ought to be pressured to cash your test. Usually it's going to extraordinarily tough to cash if it is no longer authentic hours. That’s why we tend to feel you plentiful and services.
    24 hour check cashing Burlington

    ReplyDelete
  6. check cashing near state it's totally straightforward to hunt out U.S.A. at your nearest places. Our work is opened 24/7. So, you will be ready http://www.unitedcheckcashing.com to notice U.S.A. all time check cashing close to Pine Tree State supplying you with the only services with one hundred pc satisfaction within really short quantity.224 hour check cashing Edison

    ReplyDelete
  7. Advance Happy New Year Thanks for this wonderful post. The information in this article is very helpful to me.

    New Year Famous Quotes New Year SMS Messages

    Happy New Year Wishes for Friends Thanks a lot for sharing. Keep blogging. New Year Wishes Greetings

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks for this wonderful post. The information in this article is very helpful for anyone.
    happy new year 2018 wishes

    ReplyDelete
  9. I really really appreciate this article Thanks For Sharing People also like this
    How to Trace Owner Name of Any Mobile Name in India Awesome post

    ReplyDelete

  10. First to all of you wish you a Happy new year 2018, first i hope you will get success in your competition life in this year, because i know this time competition increase in ever field so you have to play big role for your life then you should definitely get success. Because my condition same as like you. now i should come back to my topic New year is the one of the top festival in world, which celebrated by all religion people in all over world. After one day on 31st
    December people do celebrated this festival in great unit with own friends, and do party and dinner. Now we have that time very memorable when we will enter in new year. Now this time we will say Good by 2017 and welcome 2018. Now this great event i am sharing with you Best Messages on Happy new year 2017 so scroll down and get best messages of Happy New year 2018.



    Merry Christmas 2017 Hd Wallpapers
    Happy New Year 2018 Hd Wallpapers
    Merry Christmas 2017 Pranks & Jokes
    Best Happy New Year 2018 Pranks & Jokes


    ReplyDelete
  11. Mari gabung bersama kami di Domino Halo
    * Bonus Referal 20%
    * Bonus T.O mingguan sebesar 0.5%
    * Minimal deposit RP.20.000
    * Jackpot tercepat

    DOMINOHALO - Agen Poker Terpercaya | Texas Poker | Poker Online | DominoQQ Online | BandarQ Online | Agen Poker Terpercaya Se-Indonesia

    ReplyDelete
  12. Mari gabung bersama kami di Domino Halo
    * Bonus Referal 20%
    * Bonus T.O mingguan sebesar 0.5%
    * Minimal deposit RP.20.000
    * Jackpot tercepat

    DOMINOHALO - Agen Poker Terpercaya | Texas Poker | Poker Online | DominoQQ Online | BandarQ Online | Agen Poker Terpercaya Se-Indonesia

    ReplyDelete
  13. Mari gabung bersama kami di Domino Halo
    * Bonus Referal 20%
    * Bonus T.O mingguan sebesar 0.5%
    * Minimal deposit RP.20.000
    * Jackpot tercepat

    DOMINOHALO - Agen Poker Terpercaya | Texas Poker | Poker Online | DominoQQ Online | BandarQ Online | Agen Poker Terpercaya Se-Indonesia

    ReplyDelete
  14. Community Assistance is leading cleaning services provider to both domestic and commercial properties throughout Gateshead. we offer domestic cleaning services, ironing service, dust cleaner, kitchen cleaning, weekly house cleaning service, laundry service, cook and help with shopping.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Every one of them more often than not works in an alternate way. A portion of these booths even perform different capacities beside check changing, payday loans san diego

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thanks for sharing such a great information with us. Your Post is very unique and all information is reliable for new readers.
    Keep it up in future, thanks for sharing such a useful post.
    Happy New Year 2019
    Happy New Year 2019 Images
    Happy New Year 2019 Deals
    Happy New Year 2019 Gifts
    Happy New Year 2019 Wallpapers
    Happy New Year 2019 Wishes

    ReplyDelete
  17. Which Best Foot Massager To Buy – Which Foot Massager Is Right For You? If you ask which Foot Massager model is the finest this year, certainly I would recommend going through this guide to know which Best Foot Massager is actually market leaders.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thank you for this great article i read your post its really helpfull more me.
    Attitude Status In Hindi || attitude fb status || I hope you will have more great articles to share with readers, thank you the post.Great post! attitude hindi status || attitude status || This is really a great article and great read for me. Its my first visit to your blog and i have found it so useful and informative specially this article. attitude status for girls || Hindi Attitude StatusThis is amazing and wonderful article. I am really impressed and must say this is an interesting article.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Thank you for this great article i learn a lot from your article keep it up.
    Love Shayari
    Life status in hindi
    Love Status in hindi

    ReplyDelete
  20. CamYogi offers you the opportunity to book the best wedding photographers in Kolkata who have the experience and expertise to beautifully frame the precious moments of your special day. Choose from the most famous photographers who are available on the date of your occasion and match up to your desired price range.

    Find out more at: http://camyogi.in/kolkata/wedding-photographers

    ReplyDelete
  21. Thanks for sharing this information.
    Great blog! I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this post. I hope the same best work from you in the future
    who is good. I would like to thank you for this site! Thanks for sharing. Great site
    Great blog! I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this post. I hope the same best work from you in the future
    who is good. I would like to thank you for this site! Thanks for sharing. Great site
    Great blog! I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this post. I hope the same best work from you in the future
    who is good. I would like to thank you for this site! Thanks for sharing. Great site
    Great blog! I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this post. I hope the same best work from you in the future
    who is good. I would like to thank you for this site! Thanks for sharing. Great site
    Great blog! I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this post. I hope the same best work from you in the future
    who is good. I would like to thank you for this site! Thanks for sharing. Great site https://codencolors.com/

    ReplyDelete
  22. Emailnphonelist is your go-to list broker for all your online business as well as consumer lists. We are a team of data brokers who started in 2011. Moreover, we are considered as one of the very few trusted mailing list brokers online for lead generation.
    Find out more at:- https://emailnphonelist.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. Gmail Password Recovery. - One of the most widely recognized reasons somebody loses access to their Gmail record is on the grounds that they have overlooked their secret phrase. In the event that there's anything you've kept running into that you can't make sense of, let us know. Call Toll Free +1-855-580-3482 Gmail Password Recovery Number for instant solution.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Free GED Practice Tests to help you pass your GED exam with flying colors. Try our free practice tests for all subjects to score higher on your GED test. The GED practice tests are designed after recent changes to the GED test.
    if you want more just look here "ged practice test"

    ReplyDelete
  25. Check out the best status, quotes, and messages at Awesome Status

    ReplyDelete
  26. Wow, great post! I just want to leave my super-thoughtful comment here for you to read. I've made it thought-provoking and insightful, and also questioned some to the points you made in your blog post to keep you on your toes...
    Thanks...
    seo company roorkee
    seo company dehradun
    smo company dehradun
    seo company haldwani
    seo company aligarh
    seo company haridwar

    ReplyDelete
  27. We are all aware of the fact that having high IQ is important. It helps us understand a lot of things faster, makes us better learners at school, college or university and comes in handy when we are trying to land that new job. However, we do not know much about EQ or emotional intelligence. This is the subject which the book ‘Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ’ is dedicated to.

    if you want more just look here "social justice research paper"

    ReplyDelete
  28. PERMAINAN ONLINE TERBESAR DI INDONESIA

    Website paling ternama dan paling terpercaya di Asia ^^
    Sistem pelayanan 24 Jam Non-Stop bersama dengan CS Berpengalaman respon tercepat :)
    Memiliki 8 Jenis game yang sangat digemari oleh seluruh peminat poker / domino

    - Adu Q
    - Bandar Q
    - Bandar Sakong
    - Bandar Poker
    - Poker
    - Domino 99
    - Capsa Susun
    - BANDAR66 / ADU BALAK ( GAME TERBARU )

    Permainan Judi online yang menggunakan uang asli dan mendapatkan uang asli ^^
    * Minimal Deposit : 20.000
    * Minimal Withdraw : 20.000
    * Deposit dan Withdraw 24 jam Non stop ( Kecuali Bank offline / gangguan )
    * Bonus REFFERAL 15 % Seumur hidup tanpa syarat
    * Bonus ROLLINGAN 0.3 % Dibagikan 5 hari 1 kali
    * Proses Deposit & Withdraw PALING CEPAT
    * Sistem keamanan Terbaru & Terjamin
    * Poker Online Terpercaya
    * Live chat yang Responsive
    * Support lebih banyak bank LOKAL


    Contact Us
    Website SahabatQQ
    WA 1 : +85515769793
    WA 2 : +855972076840
    Telegram 1 :+85515769793
    Telegram 2 : +855972076840
    LINE : SAHABATQQ
    TWITTER : SahabatQQ
    Kami Siap Melayani anda 24 jam Nonstop
    daftar sahabatqq
    Kontak SahabatQQ : Kontak SahabatQQ

    ReplyDelete
  29. We created this site for fusion of lonely hearts suffering from lack of love and family home. Logging on our site you access to a great profile base of ladies who dream to find real love and create a family. We are moving with the times and our service is being updated constantly acquiring new technologies for more convenient communication.

    if you want more just look here "online ukrainian dating"

    ReplyDelete
  30. Nice Blog and thanks for sharing your information with us.
    For online medicine in dehradun you can contact Medatdoorstep.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Thanks for sharing this informative post. Visit for CDS, NDA Coaching in Dehradun

    ReplyDelete
  32. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Hi, i really liked your post and i would also like to share more information NDA coaching in dehradun. I always suggest give your best.

    ReplyDelete
  34. wow ! What a great content! I found your blog on google and loved reading it greatly. It is a great post indeed. Much obliged to you and good fortunes. keep sharing.

    latest jokes

    ReplyDelete
  35. Situs Penyedia Layanan Sepak Bola Terbaik Sbobet Dan Bonus Member Baru Yang Besar, Agen Sepak Bola Sbobet Maxbet Yang Memberikan Pelayanan 24 Jam Nonstop, Bandar Judi Sepak Bola Sbobet Yang Di Dukung Oleh Bank Dengan Pelayanan CS Yang Ramah dan 24 Jam Nonstop, Penyedia Jasa Pembuatan ID Sbobet Judi Sepak Bola Yang Terkenal Dan Memiliki Grafis YangBagus, dan Kemudahan Dalam Bermain Dan Keamanan Saat Bertransaksi

    Agen Sepak Bola Online

    bonus besar Sepak Bola

    Bandar judi Sepak Bola

    Agen Sbobet Judi Bola

    Judi Sepak Bola Terbaik

    Agen Judi Online

    Bandar judi ikan

    Agen sabung ayam

    judi sabung ayam

    ReplyDelete
  36. I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have bookmarked you to check out new stuff you post.
    yoga teacher training in India
    200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh

    ReplyDelete
  37. we have seen many blogs but this is the best blog. which i read .
    we also provide some good stuff for students. for there career .
    cheers
    best nda coaching center in dehradun

    ReplyDelete


  38. شركة غسيل سجاد الكويت مصبغة غسيل سجاد الكويت
    فني كهربائي منازل الكويت فني كهربائي منازل الكويت

    شركة تنظيف في الكويت شركة الكويت سيرفيس للتنظيف

    ReplyDelete
  39. I just found this blog and have high hopes for it to continue. Keep up the great work, its hard to find good ones. I have added to my favorites. Thank You. Garage Door Repair Las Vegas

    ReplyDelete
  40. I am really impressed to see your blog. Thank u so much for sharing the blog and information with us.Garage Door Repair Service Las Vegas

    ReplyDelete
  41. ดูหนังออนไลน์ เลือกดูหนังฟรีๆต้อง Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase แนนซี่ ดรูว์ สาวน้อยยอดนักสืบปริศนา (2019) หนังใหม่ฟรีๆที่นี่ เว็บดูหนังใหม่ออนไลน์

    https://www.doonung1234.com/

    ReplyDelete
  42. Thanks for posting this info. I just want to let you know that I just check out your site and I find it very interesting and informative. I can't wait to read lots of your posts. Solar Energy Los Angeles Solar Panel Installation Los Angeles

    ReplyDelete
  43. There are some interesting points in time in this article but I don’t know if I see all of them center to heart. There is some validity but I will take hold opinion until I look into it further. Good article, thanks and we want more! Added to FeedBurner as well

    Thimpress.com
    Information
    Click Here

    ReplyDelete
  44. Easily accessible by communication devices, both smartphones and computers. Access anywhere, anytime There are casino games to choose from, including fish shooting games, table games such as online slots, Pussy888, roulette or card games such as baccarat (baccarat) and many other games with special promotions, free credit. And so on

    if you want more just look here "pussy888"

    ReplyDelete
  45. Thank you for sharing such wonderful information. it is interesting & amazing post. Online Meditation Classes

    ReplyDelete
  46. it is interesting & amazing post.Thank you for sharing such wonderful information. Online Meditation Classes

    ReplyDelete
  47. Thanks for share its very helpfull information pls keep posting... Online Meditation Classes

    ReplyDelete
  48. amazing information . i like this blog check our Online Meditation Classes

    ReplyDelete
  49. meditation about Online Meditation Classes
    meditation about self love Online Meditation Classes
    meditation about god Online Meditation Classes
    meditation about fear Online Meditation Classes
    meditation about forgiveness Online Meditation Classes
    flow state meditation above and beyond Online Meditation Classes
    meditation across campus Online Meditation Classes

    ReplyDelete
  50. Join Online Meditation classes from best meditation ashram of india.
    Join Online Meditation classes from best meditation ashram of india.
    Join Online Meditation classes from best meditation ashram of india.
    Join Online Meditation classes from best meditation ashram of india.
    Join Online Meditation classes from best meditation ashram of india.
    Join Online Meditation classes from best meditation ashram of india.
    Join Online Meditation classes from best meditation ashram of india.
    Join Online Meditation classes from best meditation ashram of india.
    Join Online Meditation classes from best meditation ashram of india.
    Join Online Meditation classes from best meditation ashram of india.

    ReplyDelete
  51. We don't publish fake deals or offers that don't work. We only publish real, working coupon codes. We are honest and authentic and shoppers love us for it.

    if you want more just look here "function of beauty coupon"

    ReplyDelete
  52. Natural Crystal Pens, Manifestation Tools, Affirmation, and Law of Attraction driven products.

    if you want more just look here "crystals"

    ReplyDelete
  53. The candidates who are appearing for the exam can easily have a look at the exam structure details. This way, the students can get aware of the AP Board Exam Pattern 2021. All aspirants can collect details of exam like the subject name, marks weightage, time duration, etc. The 2021 BIEAP Sr. Inter Exam Pattern 2021 must be an essential part of the preparation to follow AP Jr Inter Model Paper 2021. Candidates must also consider the AP Board Time Table 2021 for preparation for the AP Boards Inter Exams. Also, the AP Intermediate Syllabus 2021 to make their preparation much better. It’s very important that the students must go through things like – AP Board Exam Pattern 2021.

    ReplyDelete
  54. There are certainly a lot of details like that to take into consideration. That is a great point to bring up. I offer the thoughts above as general inspiration but clearly there are questions like the one you bring up where the most important thing will be working in honest good faith. I don?t know if best practices have emerged around things like that, but I am sure that your job is clearly identified as a fair game. Both boys and girls feel the impact of just a moment’s pleasure, for the rest of their lives.

    Visit Web
    Bridalexposure.com
    Information

    ReplyDelete
  55. you will get all the information related to this IPL season 2021 like Who Will Win IPL 2021 Predictions Astrology, Bhavishyavani, Today IPL Match Winner predictionThe report and the answers to all those questions are coming to your mind. This year was going to give a lot of patience to the people who wanted or waiting for this
    IPL season.ipl 2021 all match prediction
    ipl toss today
    mi vs csk prediction 2021

    ReplyDelete
  56. You have a great blog here! would you like to make some invite posts on my blog?

    Yeezylegitcheck.com
    Information
    Click Here
    Visit Web

    ReplyDelete
  57. Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read anything like this before. So nice to find somebody with some original thoughts on this subject. realy thank you for starting this up. this website is something that is needed on the web, someone with a little originality. useful job for bringing something new to the internet!

    Justgiving.com
    Information
    Click Here
    Visit Web

    ReplyDelete
  58. Thanks for sharing the best information and suggestions, it is very nice and very useful to us. I appreciate the work that you have shared in this post.Hire a hacker.

    ReplyDelete