The following text is about scientific research.
Citizen science projects allow ordinary people to contribute to scientific research. Participants might count birds in their backyard, report earthquake tremors, or classify galaxy images. While professionals once worried about data quality, studies have shown that citizen scientists, when given proper training and protocols, produce data as reliable as professional observers. This approach has enabled research at scales impossible for scientists alone.
What does the text say about the quality of citizen science data?
It is always unreliable and requires professional verification
It can match professional quality when participants are properly trained
It is superior to data collected by scientists
It can only be used for counting birds
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. The text states that "when given proper training and protocols," citizen scientists "produce data as reliable as professional observers."
- Evidence: Direct comparison to professional quality with proper training.
- Reasoning: The condition is training, not being a professional.
- Conclusion: Trained citizens can match professional data quality.
Choice A is incorrect because the text contradicts this. Choice C is incorrect because equal quality is claimed, not superiority. Choice D is incorrect because multiple examples are given.