Discovering Development Together: A Case Study in Citizen Science
By Sarah Kendell
In order to be of benefit to the large majority of the population, science often first requires the co-operation of a few willing volunteers, most particularly psychological studies. But rather than being a burden on someone’s time, how can scientists make it so that the subjects of their studies get something out of the process too? That is exactly the challenge Dr Merideth Gattis and her colleagues at the Cardiff University Developmental Psychology department have been facing head-on.
When working with children on psychological studies, says Dr Gattis, it’s important to make the test matter fun, or you will not be able to get the data you need. That’s why the department has come up with myriad ways to engage parents and children in the testing process, partnering up with local community groups and businesses to make learning about child development a pleasure rather than a hassle.
Their partnership with Café Junior has seen regular information nights and studies carried out at the popular parent-friendly eatery, with test participants rewarded for their time with vouchers for the café. Through their connection with Cardiff Bay Women’s Workshop, scientists in the department trained local mothers to become researchers and conduct simple tests on their child’s development from home, with monthly research breakfasts organised so the parents could share their experiences.
Such ‘citizen science’ projects as these are being carried out throughout the world, says Dr Gattis, citing the online ‘Planet Hunters’ initiative where users are invited to help astronomers track new stars in the galaxy. When engaging the public in science, it’s important to think of not only what the scientist will get from a particular method of study, but what the participants will be able to get from the experience too. The less the study feels like work, and the more it is able to be incorporated into the daily lives of the subject, the more citizens will be willing to participate and engage in the scientific process.
