​Communication



Methods:

• Many methods were used to study the effects of communication on recycling habits at Michigan State University. In one survey, students, faculty and staff were asked if they would prefer information on how to recycle properly or the benefits of recycling. 
• In a second survey, the students, faculty and staff were asked to rate the relative effectiveness of five means of media communication on a scale of one (not effective) to five (very effective): Posters, Media ads, Technology publicity, Personal contacts, and Promotions.

Results:

• For survey one, all three groups agreed that providing information on how to recycle properly would be more beneficial than information on recycling's importance. Students rated this information on recycling's importance the highest (mean= 3.70/5). The faculty reported the lowest interest in learning about either method (3.58 and 3.06/5).
• For the second survey, the three groups each had different beliefs about the effectiveness of certain media. Students tended to favor promotions as the most effective (mean = 4.11), while faculty thought personal communication worked best (mean = 3.67).
• As a whole university community, the technology publicity was ranked lowest (3.57/5), followed by posters (3.65) and media advertisements (3.69).
• MSU has begun a trained mentorship program to ensure personal contacts method is actually effective.

 

Kaplowitz, M., Yeboah, F., Thorp, L., & Wilson, A. (2009). Garnering input for recycling communication strategies at a Big Ten University. Resources, Conservation and Recycling. Vol 53. Pg 612-623.

http://www.sciencedirect.com.proxy.lib.umich.edu/science/article/pii/S0921344909000731