Does exposure to positive climate action by others enhance efficacy, motivation to act, and pro environmental social norms?

Project Title

Does exposure to positive climate action by others enhance efficacy, motivation to act, and pro environmental social norms?

Faculty Mentor(s)

Project Description

My research will assess the impacts of content developed through the NEO Climate Action Community Voices Project. “Community Voices” (CV), is a form of social media designed for display on digital signage and websites that combines images and quotes drawn from interviews to create and reinforce social norms. The project aims to expose NEO residents to the diversity of positive climate action already taking place in Ohio with the hopes that exposure will decrease the level of pluralistic ignorance that currently acts as a barrier to climate action behaviors. I am about to publish a study assessing whether CV content can help close the gap between perceived and actual public support for climate action and motivate people to take action. The between subjects study will assess participants on their levels of psychological distance, normative identities, and senses of motivation to act and efficacy and the potential change in these measures after being exposed to CV content.

Why is your research important?

Although polling reveals that Northeast Ohio (NEO) residents are concerned about and desire action on climate change, there is a significant gap in residents’ perceptions that others share these sentiments. My research aims to confront this psychological distance by exposing people to positive climate action and elicit a great sense of hope and urgency around climate change. 

What does the process of doing your research look like?

In 2023, my peers and I conducted extensive interviews with a diversity of NEO residents who are engaged in a variety of positive climate action with the goal of significantly expanding the diversity of those represented in CV content. We created content from these interviews in the form of slides that feature impactful quotes and images from real people. The rest of research involved exposing people to this content through multiple online surveys. 

What knowledge has your research contributed to your field?

My research is contributing to the growing field of literature on digital signage and environmental communication. 

In what ways have you showcased your research thus far?

I presented my research at the Oberlin College Undergraduate Research Symposium in the Spring of 2024 as part of a systems thinking panel. My work was also featured in the Association for the Advancement of Higher Education conference in the Fall of 2023.

How did you get involved in research? What drove you to seek out research experiences in college?

I got involved in research by taking classes with John Petersen’s ENVS354 class. Gaining experience in this class helped me get a position as a 2023 Summer Fellow at Environmental Dashboard where I began conducting research. 

What is your favorite aspect of the research process?

My favorite part of the research process is figuring out how my research will contribute to bettering my community and the world.

How has working with your mentor impacted the development of your research project? How has it impacted you as a researcher?

My mentors have helped shape me into the student and person I am today. They have taught me about all aspects of the research process, from project management, to experimental design. Most importantly, they taught me that I am capable of making a difference.

How has the research you’ve conducted contributed to your professional or academic development?  

This research has helped me access an abundance of networking opportunities in the Northeast Ohio area. I am very excited by the potential of being a co-author on a paper and gaining experience in academia that will propel me forward in my career.

What advice would you give to a younger student wanting to get involved in research in your field?

For younger students looking to get involved in research, my biggest piece of advice is to challenge yourself. It can be scary or overwhelming to do something new and meet new people, but the feeling of overcoming your anxiety and doing something new makes it worth it.