ERIC Number: EJ1072783
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1467-6370
EISSN: N/A
The Effects of Information Regarding Sustainability Issues and Behavioral Self-Management Instruction on College Students' Energy Conservation
Mosher, Hilary R.; Desrochers, Marcie
International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, v15 n3 p359-370 2014
Purpose: The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the effectiveness of sustainability information and strategies to change pro-environmental (pro-e) behavior with introductory environmental science laboratory students. Design/methodology/approach: A one-group pretest posttest study was used to evaluate a two-hour workshop in which 30 participants were instructed in sustainability education and behavior change strategies. Participants implemented self-management strategies and tracked their energy use every week for two weeks following the pro-e training. Findings: A significant difference between participants' baseline and Week 2 energy use assessments was found. The results suggest that the pro-e training increased participants' energy conservation behavior for their targeted device. Moreover, participants decreased their energy usage for other measured electronic devices, suggesting generalization of treatment effects. Research limitations/implications: A sizable savings in energy was realized across all participants and devices (approximately 300 hours). However, there was no control group in this one-group pretest posttest study and the effect of reactivity cannot be discounted. Practical implications: This research suggests that behavior change strategies may be effective at improving pro-e behaviors. The relative ease and low cost of delivering the instruction, and minimal effort on the part of the participant to make behavior changes, provides a solid foundation from which to disseminate sustainability education. Originality/value: This paper describes a preliminary evaluation of a behavior change approach to teach students about how to change their pro-e behaviors. Limited prior research has examined self-management to alter pro-e behavior.
Descriptors: Conservation (Environment), Environmental Education, Pretests Posttests, Workshops, Behavior Change, Program Effectiveness, Self Control, Energy Conservation, Electronic Equipment, Sustainability, Individual Characteristics, Questionnaires, College Students, Training
Emerald Group Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emeraldinsight.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: New York
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: New Environmental Paradigm
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A