Details

Autor(en) / Beteiligte

• Olson, Lauren
• Arvai, Joseph
• Thorp, Laurie

Titel

Mental models research to inform community outreach for a campus recycling program

Ist Teil von

• International journal of sustainability in higher education, 2011-01, Vol.12 (4), p.322-337

Ort / Verlag

Bradford: Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Erscheinungsjahr

2011

Quelle

ERIC

Beschreibungen/Notizen

• Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to develop a better understanding of the state of knowledge of students and faculty on the Michigan State University (MSU) campus; identify relevant gaps in knowledge and misconceptions about recycling; and provide recommendations regarding how these gaps and misconceptions may be addressed through education and outreach.Design methodology approach - Using mental models analysis, the current state of knowledge possessed by students and faculty was compared with a comprehensive inventory of on-campus recycling procedures and opportunities.Findings - By combining data from individual mental models elicited from students and faculty members, an overall mental model that depicted the frequency with which subjects understood MSU-specific recycling concepts was developed. This composite model, and the accompanying statistical analysis, revealed important gaps - on part of both students and faculty - in understanding for several key recycling concepts that are relevant to established campus-based waste reduction practices.Originality value - The mental models approach, which to the authors' knowledge has yet to be applied to campus sustainability initiatives, provides program managers and outreach specialists with a constructive and transparent opportunity to develop and deploy program information that builds on existing knowledge while also meeting the new information needs of key stakeholders.