A Comparison of Table-Littering Behavior in Two Settings: A Case for a Contextual Research Strategy

Compared table littering behavior of nearly 2,000 persons and 1,100 table occupancies in 2 settings (a fast-food restaurant and a university library concession lounge). The settings differed in that table littering in the university lounge was nearly twice that of the fast-food restaurant. In both settings, males littered more than females and littering was more likely at tables at a greater distance from littering containers. Importantly, the relationship between table littering and the variables of group size and group gender mix differed in the 2 settings, owing to the operation of variables specific to each setting. Tentative explanations were offered for the interactions between these variables and the setting. These results were seen as supportive of D. Stokols' (1987) view that theory building is best done with a contextual research strategy.