A Multi-Country Examination of the Relationship Between Environmental Knowledge and Attitudes

Abstract

This study is based on the hypothesis that the more a person knows about the environment the more positive the person’s attitude will be toward the environment. But is this relationship real or assumed? This question is examined using data collected from students in their final year of secondary school (17–19 years) in Chile, England, Switzerland and the United States. Data suggest that the students are not well prepared in their basic knowledge about the environment. On the other hand, students demonstrated a positive attitude toward the environment. Statistical analyses revealed that there is no significant relationship between environmental knowledge and environmental attitude. These results are beneficial in initiating discussions about pedagogical approaches that consider environmental content standards, issues, curricular needs and opportunities.

Keywords:

• environmental attitudes
• environmental knowledge
• environmental studies