Collective Experiments for Citizen Science

Oleguer SagarraMario Gutiérrez-Roig

Engagement

One of the most important challenges in Citizen Science:

(Source: www.edelman.com)

Pop-up Experiments

Our proposed solution:

Our Experience:

● First Bee-Path Experiment (June 2012)● Second Bee-Path Experiment (June 2013)

● DAU Experiment (December 2012)● Dr. Brain Experiment (December 2014)

Decison-Making in Finance

Human Mobility

Cooperative Games

● Mr. Banks Experiment (December 2013)

● Time

● Space

● Concept

“Well-defined”

(Users are curious)

(Advertisement is effective)

(Users are lazy)

●“What ifs?”●Expected●Unexpected

One-Shot

(Source: http://sadderbutwiser.files.wordpress.com)

Expected: Tech Details

(Source: www.bsc.es)

(Source: http://blog.qsrinternational.com)

D-DAY -2

D-DAY -4

D-DAY -3

D-DAY -1

D-DAY

ScalableHeterogeneous (might not work)Backend & Error handlingCheap

Non-ScalableControlledExpensive

Unexpected: Environmental Factors

(Source: http://meljay.hubpages.com/hub/Caesar-My-Fascination)

A true story...

(Source: http://www.mauricekerrigan.com/blog/adaptability-skills-in-the-workplace-part-1/)

Adaptability

Objectives matter(Know your priorities!)

Placement matters(Know your neighborhood!)

Communication matters(It's showtime!)

Return to Citizens&

Scientiffic Outputs(Source: http://www.faticon.com)

Onsite Aftermath

Mailing with early results:

● Publication in Scientific Journal● Science Conferences● Project Website (www.mr-banks.net)

● Publication in Scientific Journal● Scientific Conferences● Project Website (www.bee-path.net)● Educational Materials (Spot & Applets)● Open Data & Open Code● Workshops● Talks in Public Places (Libraries & Museums)

● Publication in Scientific Journal● Scientific Conferences

If everything else fails against engagement problem just try...

Pop-up

Experiments!

A few things to discuss...● Scientifc engagement problem:

– Big efort vs Low (Professional) recognition● Timescales problem:

– Pop Up (short and festive) vs Scientifc Method (long and painful)

● Coordination “problem”:– Truly multidisciplinar approach (Science + Tech + Public

+ …)● Engage further the citizens on equal terms?

– Pros vs Amateurs mariogutierrezroig@ub.edu

osagarra@ub.edu(@usagarra)