The Power of the Crowd and the Search for Theoretical Foundation

• In Event: Reimagining Expertise, Reconfiguring the Disciplines

Abstract

This paper provides an analysis of theories and methodologies that have been applied in citizen science research. A recent spark in citizen science research, however, demonstrates the power of regular citizens to overcome existing barriers between the public and science and contribute to the understanding, development and, most importantly, overall, democratization of science.
The analysis of theories and methodologies applied in citizen science research has revealed its breadth and depth of citizen science research as well as its deeply interdisciplinary nature. Application of various theoretical lenses, ranging from behavioral and cognitive to epistemic and environmental justice, suggests a significant impact and contribution of citizen science not only to various disciplines, but also to overall science education, literacy and development. In line with Jordan et al.’s (2015) proposition, this paper suggests that citizen science activities provide “evidence of theoretical conjectures” (p. 208) that inform and shape further citizen science research.
Most importantly, the rich theoretical grounding of citizen science research, coupled with unique contributions of citizen scientists in all processes associated with scientific inquiry and discovery, suggests the unique disciplinary traits of citizen science. The current pace of citizen science research, empowered by ordinary citizens as well as technological affordances, provides a solid evidence of further development of citizen science as a unique discipline to further strengthen and democratize the scientific inquiry.

References
Jordan, R., Crall, A., Gray, S., Phillips, T., & Mellor, D. (2015). Citizen science as a distinct field of inquiry. BioScience, 65(2), 208-211.

Author

• Lala Hajibayova, Kent State University