This refers to data analysis that is driven by the research question that has been derived from the environmental issue that is at the heart of your Citizen Observatory (more on how to identify the issue here). The research question might be related to understanding the current situation of a particular phenomenon. Examples of such questions are: How polluted is my city, and where are the pollution hotspots? What species of butterfly are most prevalent in my area and why? How do citizens perceive the green spaces in my city, and how can I use this information to make improvements? An example from the LandSense project tackles this latter question. Statistical methods can be used to answer these types of questions, from simple summaries (as shown in the BOX below) used to understand the current situation, to the development of statistical models that can be used to explain the reasons for these findings.
Example from the LandSense project
As part of the LandSense project, the Mijn Park mobile app was developed and used to gather information about green spaces in Amsterdam. Regular users of Rembrandt Park were asked about their perceptions of the park in order to improve these spaces and to inform policy on future greenspace development. Participants were asked to answer questions in which they rated, on a scale of 1 (not at all) to 5 (extremely), information about how they thought this space could be better understood. The graph below summarises some of the data collected. Although users generally found the park to be relaxing and safe, there were some issues with crowding. Other questions were asked regarding park facilities, such as how satisfied individuals were with the trees, the park benches, the waste facilities, etc., so that the local decision-making authority could understand which issues were the most important to regular users of the park and which could be easily addressed.
The research question may also be related to changes in a particular phenomenon over time. For example: Are some key species of plants flowering later than they have in the past? Have some species of butterfly or bird declined over the past few years? Trend analysis, among others, can be used to look for statistically significant changes over time. There are many different statistical methods available, and the scientific expertise that is part of your Citizen Observatory can help with choosing and applying the most appropriate types of statistical analysis for your data set.