Louise Lynch|Jenny M. Dauer|Wayne A. Babchuk|Tiffany Heng?Moss|Doug Golick
In Their Own Words: The Significance of Participant Perceptions in Assessing Entomology Citizen Science Learning Outcomes Using a Mixed Methods Approach
University of Nebraska–Lincoln|University of Nebraska–Lincoln|University of Nebraska–Lincoln|University of Nebraska–Lincoln|University of Nebraska–Lincoln
mixed methods study used transcend traditional pre posttest approach citizen science evaluative research integrating adults test scores perceptions assessed contributory entomology citizen science affects participants science selfefficacy selfefficacy environmental action nature relatedness attitude towards insects pre posttest score analyses citizen scientists n 28 control group n 72 coupled interviews n 11 science experiences entomological interactions participation considering quantitative data alone statistically significant changes evident adults following participation citizen science compared control group citizen scientists pretest scores significantly higher control group selfefficacy environmental action nature relatedness attitude towards insects interview data reveal notable discrepancy measured perceived changes general citizen scientists existing longterm affinity natural world perceived increases science selfefficacy selfefficacy environmental action nature relatedness attitude towards insects perceived influences may act independently test scores scale instruments may show impacts variances individuals prior knowledge experiences value mixed methods citizen science program evaluation discussed