Social Science Research

The Social Science Research team explores how Lab programs such as Citizen Science and Lifelong Learning, impact our audiences. We also conduct evaluations of programs to determine how they can be improved.

• Citizen Science projects at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology use data collected from thousands of contributors to study birds and their habitats.
• Lifelong Learning Opportunities are intended to spark interest, understanding, and appreciation for birds and biodiversity across the lifespan.

The Center for Engagement in Science and Nature is working to understand the impacts of these engagements.  Does participation in Citizen Science increase your science skill or interest in science?  Does taking courses increase your knowledge about birds, and does that lead to changes in conservation behavior? We regularly publish our findings in peer reviewed journals.

The Social Science Research team works with many of the lab’s programs to research these impacts.  We also conduct our own studies and collaborate with other citizen science projects to study how citizen science contributes to a more sustainable world. Additionally, we share tools and best practices for evaluating learning outcomes in citizen science and other informal learning settings.