Using motivations to explain pro-environmental behaviours: Leveraging Psychometric approaches

This dissertation focused on studying pro-environmental behaviours and examining the influence of motivations on such behaviours. We sought to use different psychometric approaches towards this aim, with the hope of commenting on the validity and reliability of each approach and the information gained, within this research context. The entire project is organised into 3 parts whereby different approaches were used to examine how motivations might explain variations in pro-environmental behaviours. Part one used an experimental approach where a computerised task was designed to capture recycling behaviour. Using this task, in the Chapter 1 study, we examined differences in recycling behaviour across contexts considering the given goal to recycle correctly. The external validity of such tasks is discussed with the results. Part 2 leveraged statistical modelling approaches. The Chapter 2 study focused on examining pre-volitions and using a Structural Equation Modelling analysis to examine variations in recycling and sustainable consumption behaviour. The results suggested that the two behaviours have very different profiles despite both being considered pro-environmental behaviours. The validity of using pre-volitions to examine self-report behaviours compared to actual behaviour is discussed. In Chapter 3 the study, we used a time-series analysis approach to model longitudinal data. We examined the effect of daily goal importance ratings on daily recycling and sustainable consumption behaviours. We found that goal ratings are only predictive of same-day behaviours. Differences between the two behaviours are discussed, as well as the benefits of the time-series modelling approach. Lastly, in Part 4 we used a measurement scale development approach. We designed a scale to measure differences in intentional and unintentional contact with nature. As part of the validation process we then correlated responses of the scale with responses to pro-environmental behaviours. The results are discussed in line with the literature about motivations behind contact with nature and the need to capture the experience in order to improve the prediction of outcomes. Overall, this dissertation highlights the benefits and considerations relevant to each psychometric approach as well as an overview of the challenges related to examining pro-environmental behaviour.