Red, Blue, and Green: Determining Environmental Orientation on the University of Mississippi Campus

McDonald, Kendall Lane (2015) Red, Blue, and Green: Determining Environmental Orientation on the University of Mississippi Campus. Undergraduate thesis, under the direction of David Rutherford from Public Policy Leadership, The University of Mississippi.

Preview

Text Kendall McDonald, Honors Thesis - Final - Full.pdf Download (1MB) | Preview

Abstract

The goal of this research was to identify and begin to understand the environmental attitudes and behaviors of students, faculty, and staff at the University of Mississippi. This study employed a quantitative survey approach. The survey consisted of the Revised New Ecological Paradigm scale to measure environmental attitudes, and a lifestyle questionnaire to gauge self-reported sustainability behaviors and relationship with the natural world. This survey was broadcasted to all within the University of Mississippi’s email listserv. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, means comparisons, and independent samples t-tests. Major findings included: women reported more pro-ecological responses than men in all three categories (students, faculty, and staff); faculty reported more pro-ecological responses versus students and staff; students reported the least pro-ecological responses; conservatives were less likely to be pro-ecological in their responses than liberals. Campus culture is moderately pro-ecological in its attitudes, but report relatively low commitment to sustainable behaviors. Campus culture values the outdoors and outdoor recreational activities. Understanding of these attitudes is vital for the growth of sustainability and environmentalism at the University of Mississippi.

Actions (login required)

View Item