Based on the studies conducted by Nolan and colleagues (2008) and Goldstein and colleagues (2008), which approach seems to be most effective at motivating people to behave in ways that are more environmentally friendly?
A) Operant conditioning
B) Informational social influence
C) Cognitive dissonance
D) Guilt and fear appeals

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The studies conducted by Nolan et al. and Goldstein et al. suggest that informational social influence is the most effective approach at motivating people to behave in environmentally-friendly ways. This approach involves providing people with information about the behaviors that others are exhibiting, which can lead them to conform to those behaviors. For example, informing people that the majority of their neighbors participate in a recycling program can help to increase their own recycling behaviors. Operant conditioning and guilt/fear appeals may also be effective approaches, but the studies did not find them to be as consistently effective as informational social influence. Cognitive dissonance was not tested as an approach in these studies.

Based on the Studies Conducted by Nolan and Colleagues (2008)