ERIC Number: EJ1200357
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1042-0541
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Available Date: N/A
Using Cognitive Dissonance to Theoretically Explain Water Conservation Intentions
Chaudhary, Anil Kumar; Lamm, Alexa J.; Warner, Laura A.
Journal of Agricultural Education, v59 n4 p194-210 2018
Water is a scarce resource in Florida. There is an immediate need to reduce the stress on water resources and make the availability of water more sustainable by encouraging engagement in water conservation among the residents of Florida. This study examined how the future intentions of high water users in Florida to conserve water outdoors were influenced by cognitively dissonant attitudes and behaviors. The independent variables used in the study were: government trust, current water conservation practices, political beliefs, and homeowners' associations (HOA) membership. The results to study indicated that higher trust in government and current engagement in water conservation behaviors promotes water conservation, while conservative political belief and HOA membership restrict water conservation. The independent variables (government trust, current water conservation practices, political beliefs, and HOA membership) also significantly predicted 30% of the variation in water conservation behavioral intentions. Level of engagement in current water conservation behaviors had the highest effect on future intent to conserve water. Extension educators, managers at water utility companies, and other agricultural educators are encouraged to consider cognitive dissonance among their target audiences as it can be used to promote water conservation.
Descriptors: Psychological Patterns, Conservation (Environment), Water, Sustainability, Ecology, Intention, Attitudes, Behavior, Political Issues, Community Organizations, Housing, Ownership, Government (Administrative Body), Trust (Psychology), Ideology, Individual Characteristics
American Association for Agricultural Education. P.O. Box 7607, Department of Agricultural and Extension Education, Raleigh, NC 27695. Web site: http://www.aaaeonline.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Florida
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