Pulido RMA, Fernández DD, Fernández SM, Muñoz SAC, Taramona RI, Vázquez CJE

Language: Spanish
References: 0
Page: 1494-1511
PDF size: 166.05 Kb.

ABSTRACT

This paper assessed both beliefs and ecological behaviors in students from to private universities of Mexico City. The purpose of the study was to assess the congruence between the variables; a second purpose was to compare the aforementioned variables between the universities. A nonprobabilistic sample of 554 students composed of male and female students, from all majors and semesters answered the Scale of Notions about the Environment. This scale measures both beliefs and specific behaviors destined to protect the environment. Results showed a low correlation between both variables, additionally, the correlation between beliefs and behaviors oscillated over a wide range. An exploratory factorial analysis showed that the items of the scale, grouped in 5 independent factors, only two of which combine both beliefs and behaviors. The comparison between the universities showed that beliefs amongst the students from both universities do not differ statistically, however the students did differ in the particular behaviors that they are willing to do in order to protect the environment. In both universities students were unwilling to reduce their use of the car. Results are discussed in terms of the lack of congruence between beliefs and pro-environment behaviors. They are also discussed in terms of the variables that may help explain the differences between institutions.