Motivation to Participate in an Online Citizen Science Game: A Study of Foldit

Curtis, Vickie (2015). Motivation to Participate in an Online Citizen Science Game: A Study of Foldit. Science Communication, 37(6) pp. 723–746.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1075547015609322

Abstract

Online citizen science projects have the potential to engage thousands of participants with scientific research. A small number of projects such as Foldit use an online computer game format. Motivation to participate in Foldit was investigated in a group of 37 players using an online survey, semistructured interviews, and participant observation. Results suggest that contributing to scientific research and an interest in science were among the most important motivations for participation. Interaction with others within the community of participants and the intellectual challenge of the game were also key for the continuing involvement of this group of regular contributors.

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About

  • Item ORO ID
  • 44708
  • Item Type
  • Journal Item
  • ISSN
  • 1552-8545
  • Keywords
  • online citizen science; motivation; computer games; Foldit
  • Academic Unit or School
  • Institute of Educational Technology (IET)
  • Copyright Holders
  • © 2015 The Authors
  • Depositing User
  • Vickie Curtis
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)

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