Introduction
Survey research is a valuable tool that can be used in a variety of fields such as public health, education, social sciences, and marketing. Surveys allow researchers to gather both quantifiable and qualitative data from a sample of individuals representing a larger population. This data can then be analyzed to identify patterns and trends within that population. The goal of this research project is to study perceptions and behaviors related to sustainable lifestyle choices by surveying undergraduate students at a large public university. This paper will discuss how a survey was developed and distributed to collect this data, the key findings from analyzing the survey responses, and implications and suggestions for future research.
Literature Review
There is extensive prior research examining factors that influence sustainable behaviors and perceptions of sustainability issues among college students and young adults. Studies have found that knowledge, attitudes, perceived norms, and self-efficacy are significant predictors of behaviors like recycling, transportation choices, and consumer decisions (Bamberg & Moser, 2007; Tanner & Kast, 2003; Whitmarsh & O’Neill, 2010). Surveys of college students have also identified common barriers like lack of convenient recycling bins or lack of sustainable transportation options on campus (Manchester Metropolitan University, 2008; Nicols, 2009). More research is still needed to understand changes over time as sustainability issues become more prominent.
Methodology
To collect the data for this research project, an online survey was developed using Qualtrics survey software. The survey consisted of 44 multiple choice and open-ended questions across 6 sections examining demographics, knowledge of sustainability issues, lifestyle behaviors, attitudes and beliefs, barriers to sustainable behaviors, and suggestions for campus initiatives. Both Likert scale questions and select all that apply formats were utilized. The survey was estimated to take 15-20 minutes for participants to complete.
The target population was all undergraduate students at a large public university in the Pacific Northwest with approximately 25,000 students enrolled. To reach this population, the survey link and invitations to participate were distributed via emails to student listservs in various departments, posts on Facebook groups for student organizations, and flyers around campus. An incentive of being entered into a drawing for one of five $25 gift cards was offered to increase response rates. The data collection period was open for four weeks during the spring academic semester.
A sample size of at least 385 respondents was aimed for to achieve a 95% confidence level with a 5% margin of error based on the total undergraduate enrollment. A total of 409 completed surveys were collected, meeting the target sample size. The data was then downloaded from Qualtrics and analyzed using SPSS statistical software. Frequencies, cross-tabulations, chi-square tests, ANOVAs, and factor analyses were conducted to identify significant relationships and patterns in the responses. Approval for this research involving human subjects was obtained from the university’s Institutional Review Board prior to data collection.
Results
Of the 409 respondents, 57.2% identified as female, 41.3% as male, and 1.5% as another gender identity. The average age was 20.97 years. Participants represented all class levels relatively evenly with freshmen at 26.2%, sophomores at 25.4%, juniors at 24.7%, and seniors at 23.7%. The majority, 78.7%, lived off campus rather than in the dorms.
The survey found high overall awareness of general sustainability issues. Over 90% agreed that issues like climate change, waste reduction, and sustainable energy are important. Knowledge of specific sustainability initiatives and programs on campus was significantly lower. Only 55% knew if their dorm or apartment building had a recycling program and just 38% could correctly identify 2-3 sustainability certifications the campus has earned.
In terms of behaviors, transportation habits showed the most room for improvement regarding sustainability. Only 35% reported usually walking, biking, or taking public transit on a typical day, while 58% said they usually drive alone in a car. Over three-quarters participated in at least some sustainable behaviors like recycling or using reusable water bottles and coffee cups on a regular basis. Factors like purchasing decisions, living arrangements, and lifestyle habits showed more mixed sustainable involvement.
Attitudes survey responses revealed generally positive beliefs about the importance of sustainability yet ambiguity about personal impact and responsibility. Over 80% agreed individuals can make a difference in environmental issues, but only 58% felt their own actions truly impact the bigger problems. Barriers identified as hindering more sustainable choices included cost, lack of convenient options or infrastructure, and not knowing enough information to make better choices.
Factor analysis found five underlying constructs that explained lifestyle behaviors – Conscientious Actions, Green Purchasing, Transportation Alternatives, Living Situation Constraints, and Information Gaps. ANOVA tests indicated significant differences based on gender, class year, and living location for some of these factors. For instance, women on average scored higher on the Conscientious Actions factor, while upperclassmen tended to report fewer constraints from their living situations.
The top three suggestions provided for what the university could do to further support sustainability were: expand recycling and composting programs in all buildings, offer more electric vehicle charging stations, and enhance education through required coursework or promotional initiatives. Over 70% also expressed interest in participating in future surveys to track sustainability-related attitudes and behaviors over time as the campus progresses with its sustainability goals.
Discussion
The results provide helpful baseline data about current perceptions, knowledge, and self-reported behaviors regarding sustainability issues among undergraduate students. As hypothesized, awareness of general topics was high while familiarity with specific campus programs was lower. Transportation habits in particular appear ripe for behavior change interventions. Although attitudes were generally positive towards sustainability importance, strengthening personal efficacy and responsibility could motivate additional behavioral shifts.
The factor analyses identified five key constructs that summarized the range of lifestyle influences found in the survey responses. Following up with targeted focus groups exploring each construct in more depth could help design more tailored programming. For instance, targeted outreach addressing the Information Gaps construct may increase participation if students better understand existing sustainable options. Tracking responses over time as recommended by participants could also measure impact of new campus sustainability initiatives.
Overall this project demonstrates how surveying a sample population can efficiently gather both quantitative and qualitative insights. The large response rate suggests surveys are an acceptable method for this demographic and the findings provide actionable guidance. Some study limitations include the use of a non-random sampling method and potential response bias among those more interested in sustainability issues. Expanding recruitment strategies and conducting follow up surveys could help address these limitations in future replications.
Conclusion
This survey research project found generally positive perceptions and involvement in sustainable behaviors among undergraduate students. Opportunities still exist – particularly regarding transportation habits, purchasing decisions, strengthening personal responsibility, and increasing familiarity with campus efforts. The results also informed key factors impacting lifestyle choices. Continuing to understand students’ perspectives through repeated surveying can help measure progress and tailor outreach to motivate additional change over time. Overall surveys are a useful method for learning more about sustainability-related attitudes, knowledge and self-reported practices within a university population.
Andrew Stroud