Purposeful gaming & socio-computational systems: A citizen science design case

Nathan Prestopnik, Kevin Crowston

Research output: Chapter in Book/Entry/PoemConference contribution

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

Citizen science is a form of social computation where members of the public are recruited to contribute to scientific investigations. Citizen-science projects often use web-based systems to support collaborative scientific activities, making them a form of computer-supported cooperative work. However, finding ways to attract participants and confirm the veracity of the data they produce are key issues in making such systems successful. We describe a series of web-based tools and games currently under development to support taxonomic classification of organisms in photographs collected by citizen-science projects. In the design science tradition, the systems are purpose-built to test hypotheses about participant motivation and techniques for ensuring data quality. Findings from preliminary evaluation and the design process itself are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationGROUP'12 - Proceedings of the ACM 2012 International Conference on Support Group Work
Pages75-84
Number of pages10
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012
Event2012 17th ACM International Conference on Supporting Group Work, GROUP 2012 - Sanibel Island, FL, United States
Duration: Oct 27 2012Oct 31 2012

Publication series

NameGROUP'12 - Proceedings of the ACM 2012 International Conference on Support Group Work

Other

Other2012 17th ACM International Conference on Supporting Group Work, GROUP 2012
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySanibel Island, FL
Period10/27/1210/31/12

Keywords

  • Citizen-science
  • Data quality
  • Engagement
  • Purposeful gaming motivation
  • Socio-computational systems

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computer Networks and Communications

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