D9.4 - Final Report

The Deliverable D9.4 “Final Report” describes the REINFORCE summative evaluation results, i.e. final evaluation data from the Zooniverse experience survey and the final self-reflection exercise with all four demonstrator research teams as well as results from the pre- and post-questionnaires from citizen scientists.

The feedback provided by the citizen scientists in the Zooniverse experience survey shows that the demonstrators are well accepted, with only minor indications for things to improve. Citizen scientists enjoy their participation, and feel confident about their contribution. The perceived level of difficulty is ideal in terms of need for achievement for most demonstrators and should not be changed in their second phase. The final results, from self-reflection exercises with all four demonstrators, indicate progress from the previous exercise, which was organised a month after the demonstrator launches. The processes were already quite feasible, but perceived outcomes and impacts on science, citizens and society dimensions were higher in the second exercise. Results from the pre- and post–questionnaires give indications of the general composition of citizen science participants and in general speak for the accessibility of the REINFORCE demonstrators, given the diversity of participants. Comparing results from the pre- and post-tests shows what citizens gain in terms of changes in attitude, science-related skill development and knowledge.