> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://www.csprinciples.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://www.csprinciples.com/big-idea-5/5.4-crowdsourcing.md). # 5.4 Crowdsourcing ## Enduring Understanding While computing innovations are typically designed to achieve a specific purpose, they may have unintended consequences. ## Learning Objective Explain how people participate in problem-solving processes at scale. ## Essential Knowledge Widespread access to information and public data facilitates the identification of problems, development of solutions, and dissemination of results Science has been affected by using distributed and “citizen science” to solve scientific problems. Citizen science is scientific research conducted in whole or part by distributed individuals, many of whom may not be scientists, who contribute relevant data to research using their own computing devices. Crowdsourcing is the practice of obtaining input or information from a large number of people via the Internet. Human capabilities can be enhanced by collaboration via computing. Crowdsourcing offers new models for collaboration, such as connecting businesses or social causes with funding. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://www.csprinciples.com/big-idea-5/5.4-crowdsourcing.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.