Commitment, Behavior, and Attitude Change: An Analysis of Voluntary Recycling

Werner, C. M., Turner, J., Shipman, K., Twitchell, F. S., et al. (1995). Commitment, behavior, and attitude change: An analysis of voluntary recycling. Special Issue: Green psychology. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 15, 3, 197-208.

Describes a project designed to help local agencies select a method of inducing residents to participate in a free curbside recycling program. The project also provided an opportunity to study long-term behavior and attitude change. Participants living in 309 houses received a flyer, and subgroups of participants received 1 of 3 follow-up contacts: telephone calls; telephone calls and face-to-face interviews; or telephone calls, face-to-face interviews and signature-commitments. Ss who made a written commitment were more likely to participate (and to participate more than once) than Ss who learned about the program face-to-face, by telephone, or from only a flyer. Ss who participated had more favorable attitudes after 4 mo than those who did not participate. In contrast to previous research, the present data supported the view that commitment and behavior can lead to changes in attitudes.

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