Analysis and Synthesis of Research on Responsible Environmental Behavior: A Meta-Analysis

Despite the wealth of information which exists concerning environ* mental behavior, it is not known which variable or variables appear to be most influential in motivating individuals to take responsible environmental action. A metaanalysis of environmental behavior research was undertaken in an attempt to determine this. An exhaustive search of the empirically based environmental behavior research conducted over the past decade yielded a substantial number of studies representative of a broad academic base. The characteristics and findings of these studies served as the data for the meta-analysis. As a result of the meta-analysis, the following variables were found to be associated with responsible environmental behavior: Knowledge of issues, knowledge of action strategies, locus of control, attitudes, verbal commitment, and an individual’s sense of responsibility. A model of predictors of environmental behavior is proposed.