An Exploratory Factor Analysis of Motivations for Participating in Zooniverse, a Collection of Virtual Citizen Science Projects

Virtual citizen science (VCS) uses technology like the Internet to give volunteers the chance to participate in real scientific research. The success of VCS projects has prompted researchers to understand what motivates volunteer participation. 199 registered users of Zooniverse, a successful collection of VCS projects, completed a web survey assessing various possible motives for their participation. An exploratory factor analysis of their responses suggests a three-factor solution representing motives related to Social Engagement, Interaction with the Website, and Helping. We discuss the place these results have in helping to understand the still emerging picture of the variety of motives associated with various VCS projects and activities.