Cultivating citizen science for all: ethical considerations for research projects involving diverse and marginalized populations

ABSTRACT

In this paper we argue that investigators using citizen science should attend, as much as possible, to certain ethical considerations when conceptualizing projects by embracing 1) inclusivity (finding ways to include those who have traditionally been excluded), 2) adaptation (modifying projects to provide greater opportunities for varied participation), 3) sensitivity (ensuring projects take into account and respect cultural traditions and beliefs), 4) safety (protocols that protect the physical, psychological, and cultural safety of citizen scientists and society at large), and 5) reciprocity (benefits for citizen scientists). These recommendations are particularly important when engaging in collaborative or co-created citizen science projects with marginalized groups. We provide examples of how citizen science projects can be designed and adapted in ways that ensure that they follow The Golden Rule, and make them appealing to, and achievable for, a greater number of individuals in our diverse global society.

KEYWORDS:

• The Golden Rule
• community-based participatory research
• collaborative citizen science
• co-created citizen science
• older people

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Stephanie Chesser

Stephanie Chesser is a Research Associate with the Centre on Aging at the University of Manitoba in Canada. Stephanie’s research involves the critical exploration and disruption of power structures as they relate to aging and intersecting aspects of identity. She is currently conducting research, along with Dr. Michelle Porter, related to the Manitoba Our Voice Initiative (MOVI)—a project using collaborative citizen science to assess the age-friendliness of different communities in Manitoba, Canada.

Michelle M. Porter

Michelle M. Porter is a Professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, and Director of the Centre on Aging at the University of Manitoba. Her research has historically explored mobility and aging. One current research focus is on using collaborative citizen science to investigate community age-friendliness, as well as the emerging area of university age-friendliness. She is a member of the Our Voice Global Research Network through Stanford University.

Anthony G. Tuckett

Anthony G. Tuckett PhD is Director, Postgraduate Coursework (Nursing) and Program Lead, Master of Advanced Nursing, The University of Queensland (Australia). He is an Associate Editor, Nursing Ethics (Sage) and member of the Editorial Board, Korean Journal of Gerontological Nursing (KJGN) (Nursing). He undertakes Citizen Science research: relying on volunteer or amateur scientists to co-create and co-design research projects. The approach means the Citizen Scientists collect and analyse their data; determine their needs and propose solutions to them; then advocate for change by bringing their findings and solutions to the policy people and government officials who can get the job done.