The impact of educational videos on children’s plastic consumption: a field study on attitudes, intentions, and behavior in a science museum setting

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An experimental field study among 8- to 16-year-old children tested the effectiveness of short educational videos on attitudes, intentions, and behavior regarding plastic consumption. Participants (N = 418) viewed a control, an information-only, or an information + efficacy appeal video while playing a game at a science museum. Children in the information-only condition reported higher concern, whereas children in the information + efficacy appeal condition reported stronger participatory efficacy beliefs. Effects on attitudes, intentions, and actual behavior were largely absent, whereas the information + efficacy appeal video affected virtual behavior. Given children’s frequent exposure to (online) videos, these hold potential for environmental engagement.