Simple Techniques for Behavior Change

Myths: •People just need to know the facts •People just need to be aware of the issues & consequences •People just need to see the $$ •Attitudes lead to behavior Does knowledge lead to behavior? •Knowledge correlates with behavior True •Education increases knowledge True •Increasing knowledge leads to behavior change False What motivates behavior? •Awareness campaigns can produce the opposite of goal –they use norms describing undesired behavior •boomerang effects –can cause the opposite effect as some conform with perceived social norms The problem is WE are the evaluator of potential success based on what works for us. But we are not our audience. We cannot assume. Not about knowledge. Not about values. We must ask the audience and we must appeal to their needs. What makes an effective message? What are the Do’s? Behavior Change Strategies •Appeal to identity •Likeable source •Reciprocity, Scarcity •Be careful of incentives •Commitment •Prompts •Modeling –social proof, norms •Feedback •Involving narrative Using norms to create change Creating a Culture of Change •Individual Role Models •Emotional ties •Culture •Norms •Empowerment •Collective identity Some Current Projects •Campus Recycling and Composting •Backpacks for Adventures •Replacing Trees –decisions and emotion

Simple Techniques for Behavior Change

Myths: •People just need to know the facts •People just need to be aware of the issues & consequences •People just need to see the $$ •Attitudes lead to behavior Does knowledge lead to behavior? •Knowledge correlates with behavior True •Education increases knowledge True •Increasing knowledge leads to behavior change False What motivates behavior? •Awareness campaigns can produce the opposite of goal –they use norms describing undesired behavior •boomerang effects –can cause the opposite effect as some conform with perceived social norms The problem is WE are the evaluator of potential success based on what works for us. But we are not our audience. We cannot assume. Not about knowledge. Not about values. We must ask the audience and we must appeal to their needs. What makes an effective message? What are the Do’s? Behavior Change Strategies •Appeal to identity •Likeable source •Reciprocity, Scarcity •Be careful of incentives •Commitment •Prompts •Modeling –social proof, norms •Feedback •Involving narrative Using norms to create change Creating a Culture of Change •Individual Role Models •Emotional ties •Culture •Norms •Empowerment •Collective identity Some Current Projects •Campus Recycling and Composting •Backpacks for Adventures •Replacing Trees –decisions and emotion

A mixed-methods approach to assessing success in transitioning water management institutions: a case study of the Platte River Basin, Nebraska

To address increasing conflicts between surface water and groundwater users, the state of Nebraska has adopted a more localized and integrated approach in managing water resources. Integrated approaches offer promise in better managing connected water resources within the state; however, little review of the potential benefits and/or challenges of these actions has been conducted. This case study uses both qualitative and quantitative data collection efforts to take an in-depth look at how this new and innovative management system is working through the eyes of stakeholders living and working in the basin. Data collection reveals that overall the current water management system is working relatively well, even though it is still in its infancy. However, the system could be further improved by ensuring all that stakeholder interests are represented, providing increased opportunities to participate, and continuing to work toward more holistic and proactive water management

Resident Perceptions of a Proposed Environmental Education Center and Demonstration Farm

To gauge community support for a proposed environmental education center and demonstration farm, we surveyed 514 local residents. Our intent was to assess community members\u27 support for the project and relevant programming interests and to determine the roles that level of community satisfaction, perceived economic impact, and demographics played with regard to project support. We found that most community members supported the development and that levels of community satisfaction, perceptions of economic impact, background, gender, and age were significantly associated with level of support. Our research also revealed that community members were most interested in programs about nature and growing and preserving food and were not interested in technology-based programming