Researchers at The University of Queensland (UQ) and CSIRO are investigating people’s responses to environmental communication based on their personal beliefs.
Chief investigator Rodolfo Sapiains from UQ’s School of Geography Planning and Environmental Management said the research would investigate how people’s beliefs impact on the way they receive environmental information as well as how they handle conflicting messages.
“Environmental messages can be confusing, and we want to know what influence this has on people’s actions and decisions in relation to the environment,” Mr Sapiains said.
About 160 Brisbane adults from a diverse range of backgrounds are needed to participate in the study’s survey from March 25 to 29.
The study, in partnership with CSIRO’s Climate Adaptation Flagship, will inform governments, policy-makers, scientists and environmental professionals on how best to communicate environmental messages to the wider-community.
In 2010, the CSIRO conducted a large survey on people’s attitudes towards climate change.
This study showed Australians remained divided on the causes of climate change.
Mr Sapiains said the current study's preliminary findings indicated this division most likely still prevailed and there was a significant link between people’s strongly-held beliefs and their actions on environmental issues.
“Our research is revealing that people’s beliefs, values and attitudes are important in the development of pro-environmental behaviours,” he said.
“We have seen that environmental messages fail when they clash with people’s belief systems,” Mr Sapiains said.
“Different beliefs and value systems exist in any society.
“We need to understand their significance and learn to take them into account when delivering environmental messages.”
Researchers are looking for Australian residents over 18 to participate in the study. Selected participants will be paid $30 in cash. Expressions of interest close on March 22.
To participate contact Mr Sapiains at attitudes@gpem.uq.edu.au. You will receive a set of questions. Responses to questions will help determine a select group of participants for the exercise.
More information on the project is available here.
Media: Rodolfo Sapiains, 07 3346 7406, r.sapiains@uq.edu.au
