The Influence of a Multimedia-Enhanced Biodiversity Awareness Event on Motivation for Environmental Action

• In Event: Moscone Center North Roundtable Session 13
  In Roundtable Session: Cognitive Processes and Development Within Instructional Technology

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of a multimedia-enhanced informal science learning event at a natural science museum on museum visitors’ internal and external motivation to take environmental action. Motivation for Environmental Action survey (Philips, 2013) was used to learn about visitors’ motivation to take environmental action before and after the survey. Qualitative data from semi-structured interviews were used to explore participants’ perceptions of biodiversity and the event. Results revealed that despite the short duration of the event, both internal and external motivation significantly increased from pre- to post-event. Internal motivation positively predicted the number of actions taken by participants to protect biodiversity. College students were less likely to take environmental action than non-students.

Authors

• Natercia Valle, University of Florida

• Pasha Antonenko, University of Florida

• Zhen Xu, University of Florida

• Li Cheng, University of Florida

• Douglas E. Soltis

• Pamela S. Soltis

• Ryan A. Folk

• Robert P. Guralnick

• James C. Oliverio, University of Florida

• Timothy T Difato