Project Description
“Who’s that Organism?” is explicitly a question about the connection between observer (natural scientist) and the observed species. The researcher compares selected observations of species in defined areas to recognize possible trends in who has collected the data (within iNaturalist). Continuing to categorize those trends is a key outcome of this project.
Tasks and Responsibilites
In collaboration with the Mentor and other specialists (staff at the Urban Ecology Center as well as local experts in additional non-profit organizations and government agencies), the researcher evaluates the categories of observers and expand questions for consideration. They will further distinguish between preferences for observations among different taxonomic groups within the data, cross-checking the categories of observers and other factors for analysis. Along with the Mentor and other specialists, methods for answering novel questions about preferences are developed and refined. Using appropriate methods of data analysis (statistical and qualitative), the researcher will test hypotheses about the practice of observation and data collection in iNaturalist. Additional methods for extracting relevant data from iNaturalist will be refined and developed, with more locations across select taxonomic groups to be mined for trends. Existing literature and other specialists will be consulted to establish and describe meaningful trends in the data. The researcher will collaborate with local experts to continue developing hypotheses that align with the collected data and other sources. Findings from the data will be prepared for presentation as part of a poster session at the end of the semester and/or as part of the statewide undergraduate research symposium. The researcher plans to consult with end users of the iNaturalist interface for insights into the observational process and possible preferences for inclusion in the database.
Desired Qualifications
None Listed.