Participation motivations and platform governance in citizen science platforms

In this paper we aim at understanding the relationship between the participation motivations and the platform governance in citizen science platforms. Previously motivations for participation are studied (Curtis, 2018; Nov et al., 2011; Raddick et al., 2013; Wright et al., 2015), and the change of motivations throughout the journey in the platform is found (Crowston & Fagnot, 2008; Curtis, 2018; Jackson et al., 2015). We contribute to this line of studies by investigating the motivations for participation, the role of motivations in platform governance, and the impact of platform governance on motivations to participate. We use the Multi Sided Platforms (MSPs) approach to understand the relationship between the motivations and the governance mechanisms. MSPs are platforms that have 2 or more sides, the interactions of different sides create externalities, and an intermediary coordinates these interactions (Evans, 2003). We use Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to propose a feedback loop between the motivations of participants and the platform's governance mechanisms. SDT is a theory of motivation (Deci & Ryan, 2015) and TPB is a theory aiming to explain human behaviour (Ajzen, 1991). We do so by examining 3 citizen science platforms, 2 from Turkey (eKuşbank or eBird Turkey and Trakuş), and 1 from France (Faune-France). 26 in-depth interviews were conducted with the participants of these platforms. We found that there is a duality that should be considered regarding the motivations: a) motivation towards the object of knowledge, that is the motivation for the engagement in the activity that gives rise to knowledge, and b) motivation for sharing the knowledge. We argue that the platform makes value deals with each "side" or "role", and it addresses the motivations of each role with these value deals. We further argue that some negative externalities decrease motivations to participate, and the platform addresses these externalities as well. We also found that motivations about the object of knowledge may negatively affect motivations for sharing. We concluded that the motivations for participation and non-participation are key for the platform in making value deals and addressing negative externalities, which in turn increase participation.