Howe et al., under review, Study 3: Learning that most people on campus had reduced their paper towel use and inviting them to join the cause decreased paper-towel use over two weeks
Reference:
Under review
Download PDFSummary:
Campus bathrooms randomized to include signs indicating that most people on campus had reduced their paper towel use and, in addition, that invited people to “join in” and “do it together” showed reduced paper-towel use over two weeks and 14% less use than bathrooms with signs that conveyed the same norm but without this working together element.
Psychological Process:
Need
Need to BelongWhat Desired Meaning is At Stake?
What is the Person Trying to Understand?
To Feel Connected, Included, Respected, and Valued by OthersApproach to Desired Meaning
What about it?
Link Belonging to a Behavior or Attitude to Motivate Positive ChangeHow?
Psychological Question Addressed
Are people working together to accomplish collective goals?Are people working together to accomplish collective goals?Changing beliefs about social norms to motivate positive behaviorsPsychological Question Addressed
Are people working together to accomplish collective goals?Psychological Process 2:
Psychological Process 3:
Social Area:
Sustainability
Intervention Technique:
Direct labeling, of social norms