Delaney et al. (2008) evaluate the validity and usefulness of citizen science by way of a study on crabs on various locations along the eastern coast of the U.S. They sought to observe the ability of these citizen scientists to compile data on the coastal wildlife, particularly the Asian shore crab (Hemigrapsus sanguineus) and invasive European green crab (Carcinus meanas). The volunteers widely varied based on their age, 3-78, and educational background, pre-kindergaten to Ph.D. As expected, the volunteers with a higher level of education were more efficient in their analysis of crab species. The over 1,000 volunteers were tested on their ability to distinguish between the species of crabs and also separate the crabs by gender.
Delaney et al. (2008) discuss some of the issues with citizen science monitoring such as endurance of the citizen scientists’ patience, sustainability of the monitoring network with limited funds, and making the data readily available to researchers and policy makers. Nevertheless, they believe that when it comes to early detection of an invasive species, citizen scientists can be a valuable resource. They suggest that for any monitoring network to be successful it must be a long process and funded by state-level organizations. Delaney et al. (2008) ultimately conclude that citizen scientists are definitely useful when a research has limited funding and personnel. The ability to compile large amounts of monitoring and data can certainly be accomplished and improved by the use of citizen scientists.
Delaney, D.G., Sperling, C.D., Adams, C.S., Leung, B. 2008. Marine invasive species: validation of citizen science and implications for national monitoring networks. Biological Invasions 10:117-128.
Delaney et al. (2008). Marine invasive species: validation of citizen science and implications for monitoring networks. Biological Invasions (2008) 10:117-128.
When it comes to the problem of invasive species, early detection is extremely important because it facilitates eradication of the species; in order to have early detection, large-scale monitor programs whose results are available to the public need to be established. However, these programs are not only expensive, but there are rarely enough personnel to conduct the monitoring. In cases like this, employing citizen science would be very useful since it would provide a low cost (or free) workforce and will allow for data to come from a wide geographical range. Yet, citizen science is not often employed because the scientific community is reluctant to accept results obtained by citizen science. Therefore, Delaney et al. (2008) from McGill University in Montreal conducted a study that was featured in Biological Invasions to assess the accuracy of citizen science.
Delaney et al. (2008) established a monitoring program in which citizen scientists had to distinguish two types of crabs, Carcinus maenas and Hemigrapsus sanguineus, from native species, and had to identify the gender of each crab throughout set sampling sites. The participants were trained in an hour-long session on how to identify the crabs, and they were then given the tools necessary to conduct the monitoring such as magnifying glasses, buckets, and field guides. As they collected the crabs, they separated them into buckets so that after each session the research team could check and validate the results of the citizen scientists. The results of the study showed that education was very important in predicting the accuracy of the citizen scientists to identify both the species and gender of the crabs; in order to have 95% accuracy in identifying the gender, citizen scientists had to have at least 2 years of university. Delaney et al.’s (2008) study suggests that if eligibility criteria, such as establishing a minimum education level, are employed when choosing the citizen scientists to conduct studies, then their results can be very accurate, and citizen science could thus be very beneficial.
Since citizen science could be very useful in establishing world-wide databases for invasive species, the study conducted by Delaney et al. (2008) has very useful results. However, I believe that this study alone does not provide enough evidence for the scientific community to widely accept citizen science since it only establishes once criterion and it was only conducted with specific invasive species. As a result, I believe that further research should be conducted to further verify the accuracy of citizen science, and perhaps to identify other criteria that could be used to select citizen scientists for experiments.
Delaney et al. (2007) argues for the usefulness of citizen science in invasive ecology. 1000 citizen scientists or volunteers participated in this study where distribution data of two invasive crabs, C. maenas and H. sanguineus, was collected in seven coastal US states. The volunteers were divided into 190 groups of 1-10 people and each group was assigned a 30 x 30 m plot. In each quadrat, the citizen scientists (aged 3 to 78 years) were charged with identifying an invasive crab from a native crab, identifying the gender, and determining the width of the crab’s carapace. The crabs were then placed in buckets that corresponded to the species, which were later verified by professional researchers.
The results yield by Delaney et al (2007) suggest that citizen scientists with proper training are certainly capable of helping ecologists and scientists with distribution data concerning invasive species. The study suggests that education and age as variables are near identical, so education plays a major role in which volunteers are capable of helping professional scientists. The older the volunteer, or the more advanced in education s/he is, the most accurate the results yielded were by the volunteer. Accuracy of some variables like differentiation between species was as high as 95% in 7th graders.
Delaney et al. (2007) discussed potential issues of the volunteers that might negatively influence the data collected on site. For example, the endurance of a volunteer’s patience may cause faulty or inaccurate data. Delaney et al (2007) noted that in some cases, the width of a crab’s carapace was inaccurately recorded (or simply not recorded at all) because the volunteers found this particular task too difficult or time-consuming. Such instances causes the data collected by citizen scientists to be discarded or deemed useless, and is ultimately a waste of time and resources. Cases where a volunteer finds the task too difficult and thus ignores it are reasons why certain scientists believe citizen science is not applicable to the professional world because of potentially faulty data or inaccurately-recorded data on the volunteer’s part. Delaney et al. (2007) counters these arguments and supports citizen science’s place in professional studies by insisting on the usefulness of the volunteers because it saves time and financial resources as well as provides free personnel. Of course, Delaney et al. (2007) stresses the importance of a volunteer’s proper training, which can be as painless as an hour-long info session that was used in this study. I think that through this study, Delaney et al (2007) presents a strong case supporting citizen science. The results suggest that a large group of informed volunteers who work together can successfully collect enough records that could definitely be useful to scientists looking to detect the spread of an invasive species.
References:
Delaney, D. G., C. D. Sperling, C. S. Adams and B. Leung. 2007. Marine invasive species: validation of citizen science and implications for national monitoring networks. Biological Invasions 10: 117-128.
While this article provides incentive and is an adamant supporter of citizen science, its argument is lacking in several places. For example, the crab is only one type of non-native species that has to be documented. While this animal was successful using people from all generations of life, this does not necessarily translate into potential success for other organisms. Delaney et al (2008) had 1000 volunteers record the sex and species of crabs that were collected in order to create a comprehensive database of crab locations throughout the Northeast. While this experiment was highly successful, crabs are one of those species that people of all ages’ love to chase and that is universally recognized, unlike many other species (that even with an hour long training session) might not be as simple a task. However, it does provide many encouraging results. The fact that students aging from Pre-K through graduate students attended this event (even if forced by teachers) shows how many people are willing to become citizen scientists. This is encouraging and shows that as long as projects can be found that will incorporate citizens, they will be more than happy to join. In addition, it provides a great initial framework for evaluating citizen scientists. The way that the experiment is set up with the tubs that the crabs must be placed in so that the team can evaluate how accurate each group was is an ingenious method for creating statistical models of evaluation. If other scientists in the future use experiments similar in design to this one, they can accurately determine the ability of citizen scientists in their field of research.
Delaney, D.G., Sperling, C.D., Adams, C.S., Leung, B. 2008. Marine invasive species: validation of citizen science and implications for national monitoring networks. Biological Invasions 10:117-128.
Recently, citizen science has been more and more important in doing what is difficult for scientists to do. Especially with invasive species that cover large areas, a large group of organized citizens have a better chance of monitoring their populations better than even the most efficient scientists. In the article “Marine Invasive Species: Validation of Citizen Science and Implications for Natural Monitoring Networks”, Delaney et al. (2008) explains why citizen science is becoming os important. After volunteers interested in becoming citizen scientists are taught simple things like how to tell the gender of a crab, they are ready to accurately collect data about the species in the field. Although a scientist may be more accurate in determining factors such as gender, the manpower citizen science makes it much more valuable in some cases.
Delaney et al. concluded that in order to create large databases full of information, citizen science is a key tool. If more scienctists studying invasive species would utilize volunteer scientists, a more accurate picture of the magnitude of some species populations could be discovered and there would be a better possibility of restoring native ecosystems.
Delaney, D.G., C.D. Sperling, C.S. Adams, and B. Leung. 2006. Marine invasive species: validation of citizen science and implications for national monitoring networks. Biological Invasions 10: 117-128
Ecologists are currently undergoing an ongoing struggle of detecting aquatic invasive species before they spread. Citizen science, a new research method where the general population takes part in data collection, has been offered as a solution to their limitations. In Delaney et al. (2008), citizen science itself is tested to determine how accurate it is as a data collection method to determine the presence of native and invasive crabs along the east coast. 1,000 volunteers with ages ranging from 3 to 78 years and education levels ranging from pre-school to Ph.D. were asked to determine the sex and species of various crabs. The participants were divided into subgroups each with 1-10 people. Each subgroup was located in one of the 52 sites studied in seven east coast states. Delaney’s data collection is not only available to many, but also has the potential of amassing an exponential amount of data.
Delaney et al. found that education had a profound result on the accuracy of the data collected. For instance, the study found that students in the third grade were able to determine the species with 80% accuracy and students in the seventh grade predicted the species with 95% accuracy. In the case of gender, higher education came into play, showing that students with at least two years of university education determined gender with 95% accuracy, compared to only 80% accuracy in seventh graders. Delaney et al. suggests that citizen science will be most effective if a proper training course is offered. In all, however, citizen science promises increased monitoring of coastlines and, ultimately, a significant decrease in the spread of invasive species.
This article shows that citizen science has the potential of collecting applicable data (i.e. capable of showing trends) as well as increasing monitoring of invasive species. Despite the shortcomings mentioned by Delaney, I feel the gain is far larger than the loss. Although the data is more likely to contain error, the fact that so much more data is being collected in the long run makes up it. As mentioned by Delaney, the error can also be significantly reduced with proper education. For instance, a simple portable key on a business card could aid in proper identification of species. Once the species are collected, the data can be sifted by accuracy through a short online questionnaire that takes education level into account, as well as quizzing the knowledge of the inputter by asking them to determine the sex and species of an organism through pictures. The quality control of citizen science requires relatively little effort, and ultimately will yield greater results.
Delaney, D.G., Sperling, C.D., Adams, C.S., Leung, B. 2008. Marine invasive species: validation of citizen science and implications for national monitoring networks. Biological Invasions 10:117-128.
In the article “Marine invasive species: validation of citizen science and implications for national monitoring networks” by Delaney et al. (2008), a unique study was done that can be viewed as a possible critique of the practice of citizen science. In this experiment, citizens were used to facilitate the national monitoring of native and invasive crab species in coastal areas and differentiate between species and genders; Delaney et al. (2008) strove to determine the accuracy in the findings of these untrained citizens who functioned as the surveyors and data collection agents.
The article opens with a discussion of invasion ecology, and how hundreds of species have been and are being transported away from their native habitats to invade new ones, where they often remain undetected for long durations. Hence, Delaney et al. (2008) agree with the notion of needing increased monitoring to reduce invasive species growth as early as possible and prevent establishment of new species. The article then mentions how large groups of volunteers performing the necessary large scale surveying and monitoring helps reduce cost and obtain detailed databases with valuable information. Delaney et al. (2008) reference the National Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count as an example of how citizen science has contributed to population monitoring.
The reason scientist are skeptical of citizen science, however, is due to the lack of evidence validating the data collected by citizens, since they are just volunteers and there is nothing backing up or verifying their results. Delaney et al. (2008) describe their study as a mechanism for “quality assurance” of the data collected from citizen science projects.
In assessing the quality of the volunteers’ work, Delaney et al. (2008) found that some volunteers did not complete tasks they found difficult, such as taking size measurements of each crab they found. The article then switches subjects and begins discussing the need to make all the data collected and data from the past consolidated and accessible (most likely via the internet). The study found that accuracy varied with education and age level; college students were much more accurate in gender determination when compared to grade-level students. The article suggests “bio-blitzez”, by means of which volunteers would collect samples that would be dealt with and identified and studied by actual scientists or experts. Overall the article aims to show how citizen science can definitely be beneficial, as long as proper expert monitoring and training is available for the volunteers. The large amount of data collected by these studies would most likely render the incorrect identifications negligible, so that only valuable information would be left over. The article closes with a discussion of the invasive crab species, the extent of it spread, and the potential of the species to do further damage.
It was interesting how Delaney et al. (2008) were able to correlate accuracy in the data findings with particular education levels and age groups. Their findings prompt me to ask if there are studies that can be used to validate even expert-led population monitoring and surveying. If we revise our current databases of species knowledge and validate it, we will have more valuable information to use in the future.
Delaney, D.G., Sperling, C.D., Adams, C.S., Leung, B. 2008. Marine invasive species: validation of citizen science and implications for national monitoring networks. Biological Invasions 10:117-128.
Delaney et al. 2008 conducted a study of the factors impacting citizen scientists and their abilities to collect data that may be useful to scientists. The researchers utilized around 1,000 volunteers in assorted groupings and gauged their various abilities to identify crab species, determine crab gender, and then measure crab carapace width along the coastline. Several variables were considered as possible influences on citizen success at accurate data retrieval including the volunteer age, level of education, and the size of the volunteer group the individual was placed into. Trained scientists re-checked the samples taken by the volunteers.
Regarding the accuracy of the data gathered in the study, Delaney et al. (2008) found a strong positive correlation between education level and the accuracy of gender and species identifications. Greater levels of education led to more reliable data. Often, since education level increases with age (from youths to at least the twenties if not for one’s whole life), the age of a volunteer also increased as data accuracy improved. Contrastingly, volunteer group size did not have an active impact upon data accuracy, a finding which Delaney et al. does not explain.
The findings regarding education’s positive relation to data accuracy is useful for scientists in the future deciding the relative reliability of citizen science. Delaney et al. assert that, given adequate training in the science they will be performing, the volunteers will produce fairly accurate data to be used by scientists for further research.
Citizen science reduces the costs associated with research by providing cheap (free) sources of data recording. Early detection of invasive species in various areas is possible because regular citizens can be trained to pick out unnatural species in their localities. Citizen science also spreads information regarding current research and how that research may impact the lives of ordinary people—providing a publicity boost for scientists that is otherwise often lacking. Delaney et al. give strong support for increasing the prevalence and impact accorded to citizen science efforts. Citizen science and the large pool of data it can provide are portrayed as the biggest potential sources to improve the ability of scientists to conduct research with restrictive budgets and as the best options for combating the spread of invasive species.
Delaney, D.G., Sperling, C.D., Adams, C.S., Leung, B. 2008. Marine invasive species: validation of citizen science and implications for national monitoring networks. Biological Invasions 10:117-128.
Delaney et al. (2008) had a combination of two very interesting objectives when conducting their study on the East Coast of the US. One objective called for the mapping, identification, and counting of two species of crab in various states. The other was to test the validity of citizen science. First off, the species of crab were studied using civilian volunteers. These volunteers grossly varied in age and would go out onto the beaches to collect and determine if the crab was native or invasive. They would also record the gender, location, and size of their crab. The measurements recorded by the citizens were then matched up to those of the scientists to determine how proficient they are in said task. Delaney et al. (2008) found that even 3rd grade students could correctly identify the crab with about 80% proficiency. This number was even higher for 7th graders, at 95%.
Delaney’s study helps answer a very important question in the realm of scientific research: how trustworthy and accurate are citizens when it comes to gathering scientific data? Europe has been using citizen science for years, but the question stems from US scientists still being skeptical about the abilities of an everyday person. However, using citizens can have boundless benefits for the scientific community, as citizens are free, numerous, willing to volunteer, etc. Delaney does note though that a large network to manage all these citizens would be required. Delaney says another slight disadvantage to using average people is that some of them got bored, and thus fail to record some of the data.
It is apparent from Delaney’s work that citizens are more than capable for carrying out basic research gathering, even down to a 7th grade level. Such a tool is readily available almost constantly, and it is odd to see that the US’s scientific community has not yet embraced it as Europe has. However, it is understandable that some of the problems Delaney mentions could impede their rapid integration into hard science, such as the need for a large network and the boredom issue.
Delaney, D.G., Sperling, C.D., Adams, C.S., Leung, B. 2008. Marine invasive species: validation of citizen science and implications for national monitoring networks. Biological Invasions 10:117-128.
Hanna Grokenberger
SW11:
Summary and Commentary on Delaney et al. (2008)
In Delaney et al. (2008), a thorough description of two invasive crabs, Carcinus maenas and Heigrapsus sanguineus, helped introduce the problem of exotic crabs in coastal US states. Citizen scientists were utilized in this study in order to gain a wide collection of invasive and native crabs in marine systems throughout the seven states. The paper stressed the need for marine system monitoring through volunteers, and uses this study to validate and highlight the accuracy and benefits of a “large-scale marine invasive species monitoring network.”
Certain variables, such as the volunteers’ age, their educational background, the size of the group, and the size of the crab selection, play into the accuracy of collecting data. Before the collection process began, volunteers, ranging form kindergarteners to Ph.D scholars participated in a training session that evaluated their degree of accuracy for sampling techniques. Delaney et al. (2008) then conducted systematic surveys across 52 sites, recording species, gender, and carapace width for each crab. The crabs were then collected for further analysis to validate the volunteers’ descriptions.
Delaney et al. (2008) concluded that educational background of volunteers was a significant indicator of citizen scientists’ abilities to identify crabs. Meanwhile, the analysis did not reveal that group size or crab size were reliable predictors of a volunteer’s ability to correctly record crab species. Therefore, data collected from citizen scientists who exceeded 95% accuracy (those with a 7th grade education or higher) and their collected data was used for the purposes of the paper. The study revealed densities and distribution of C. maenas and H. sanguineus throughout the tested coastal states.
The study also explains shortcomings of citizen science in the future of monitoring marine systems. For instance, the pilot study experienced volunteers who found certain aspects of the collection process overly difficult or tedious, and therefore failed to report some of the needed information. And yet, Delaney et al. (2008) states that any data collected is useful in some way to help progress future studies. Another challenge in monitoring systems using citizen science relies in the lack of funding for a universal database that is user friendly. In order for a large-scale marine invasive species monitoring network to expand and remain sustainable and up to date, investment by both state and national supervision could be an important factor.
Delaney, D.G., Sperling, C.D., Adams, C.S., Leung, B. 2008. Marine invasive species: validation of citizen science and implications for national monitoring networks. Biological Invasions 10:117-128.