Research: Does Technology Usage Determines A Person’s Environmental Concern?
Awards: 2nd place, Behavioral Science - Westlake 2019; Critica Behavioral Science Achievement Award - WESEF 2021
Mentor: Claire Velez
Research Location: Yonkers Partners In Education
Abstract:
Environmental issues are progressively becoming a concern worldwide (Burger & Zita, 2016). For instance, In the last few decades, ninety percent of natural disasters have been caused by climate-related natural hazards; and there is scientific evidence that most of them have their roots in global warming (European Researcher, 2014). In order to address these environmental issues, stakeholders are investigating new strategies in raising environmental awareness (Alexander, 2015). Several attempts in increasing environmental concern have been proven to be difficult for policymakers (Alexander, 2015). A major dilemma faced by policymakers is that environmental concern varies among countries, due primarily to socio-economic status (SES) (Pampel, 2013). Although SES has presumed to be a dilemma, policymakers found technology to be an effective tool in raising a person’s environmental concern (Verma, 2016). Primary data will be collected from participants in the Northeast United States, in a diverse, urban area. The age group will be 12-17. Respondents who were iPhone and Android users will fill out two surveys; the first survey will consist of demographic questions (e.g., sex ethnicity, age, marital status, age etc.) and required numeric data of how much time was spent on Social Media, Games, News, Entertainment, Maps, Productivity and Other (applications other than the 6 categories). Two apps prior to the survey would be Screen Time and Digital-Wellbeing. Then the participants will fill out a second survey, in which they would be required to fill out a validated scale, Children’s Environmental Attitude and Knowledge Scale (Leeming & Dwyer, 1995). Data analysis will involve comparing the amount of time spent on smart devices, such as iPhones and Androids, to their responses on the Children’s Environmental Attitude and Knowledge Scale (Leeming & Dwyer, 1995), and Attitude and Knowledge subscales. This study aims to determine whether the amount of time spent on technology, specifically a smartphone, affects a person's concern for the environment, to conclude if technology usage has a correlation between environmental knowledge and concern. It will be the first of its kind to assess this connection in a diverse, urban environment, and to use a smartphone to evaluate the connection between technology usage and environmental concern.
About this Scientist:
Jaylene will miss the precious moments she spent with her peers in the STEM Major: Jake’s corny jokes, funny memes, and pulling all-nighters with friends. Since freshman year, she has seen how this program evolved, weaving a special place in her heart. Without a doubt, she will miss her friends who studied alongside her for four years, and maybe Jake’s gag joke “habichuela”. Now, the next chapter of her life is going to start - Sarah Lawrence College. She loves everyone one of you, and hopes you all succeed in all of your future endeavors!
this is awesome, and such an original study. well done!