Can school children support ecological research? Lessons from the Oak Bodyguard citizen science
BARBARO, Luc
Dynamiques et écologie des paysages agriforestiers [DYNAFOR]
Centre d'Ecologie et des Sciences de la COnservation [CESCO]
Dynamiques et écologie des paysages agriforestiers [DYNAFOR]
Centre d'Ecologie et des Sciences de la COnservation [CESCO]
DULAURENT, Anne-Maïmiti
Biodiversité, Gènes & Communautés [BioGeCo]
Agro-écologie, Hydrogéochimie, Milieux et Ressources [AGHYLE]
< Réduire
Biodiversité, Gènes & Communautés [BioGeCo]
Agro-écologie, Hydrogéochimie, Milieux et Ressources [AGHYLE]
Langue
en
Article de revue
Ce document a été publié dans
Citizen Science: Theory and Practice. 2020-03-18, vol. 5, n° 1, p. 1-11
Ubiquity Press
Résumé en anglais
Scientific knowledge in the field of ecology is increasingly enriched by data acquired by the general public participating in citizen science (CS) programs. Yet, doubts remain about the reliability of such data, in particular ...Lire la suite >
Scientific knowledge in the field of ecology is increasingly enriched by data acquired by the general public participating in citizen science (CS) programs. Yet, doubts remain about the reliability of such data, in particular when acquired by schoolchildren. We built upon an ongoing CS program, Oak Bodyguards, to assess the ability of schoolchildren to accurately estimate the strength of biotic interactions in terrestrial ecosystems. We used standardized protocols to estimate attack rates on artificial caterpillars and insect herbivory on oak leaves. We compared estimates made by schoolchildren with estimates made by professional scientists who had been trained in predation and herbivory assessments (henceforth, trained scientists), and trained scientists' estimates with those made by professional scientists with or without expertise (untrained) in predation or herbivory assessment. Compared with trained scientists, both schoolchildren and untrained professional scientists overestimated attack rates, but assessments made by the latter were more consistent. Schoolchildren tended to overestimate insect herbivory, as did untrained professional scientists. Raw data acquired by schoolchildren participating in CS programs therefore require several quality checks by trained professional scientists before being used. However, such data are of no less value than data collected by untrained professional scientists. CS with schoolchildren can be a valuable tool for carrying out ecological research, provided that the data itself is acquired by professional scientists from material collected by citizens.< Réduire
Mots clés en anglais
artificial prey
citizen science
data quality
insect herbivory
measurement bias
predation
schoolchildren
Origine
Importé de halUnités de recherche