Young volunteers on Zooniverse: exploring the relationship between participation and background characteristic

Abstract

This study explores the participation patterns and demographic characteristics of young citizen scientists engaged in online citizen science through the Zooniverse platform. By analysing log data from 242 participants and survey responses from 64 individuals, the research sheds light on the contributions and behaviours of these young volunteers. Key findings highlight the significant engagement of young participants, each contributing to various projects and demonstrating consistent activity on the platform. Surprisingly, demographic factors like age and gender showed no significant association with participation levels. However, confidence in using the platform positively correlated with increased engagement, emphasising the role of self-efficacy in fostering participation. Additionally, systematic participation was linked to higher project contributions, underscoring the importance of structured engagement. The study highlights the need for targeted strategies to empower young individuals to contribute meaningfully to scientific research while promoting inclusivity and engagement across diverse demographics. 

Keywords

• young volunteers
• Zooniverse
• participation