Will R. Yliniemi M.Ed. Extension Cohort Learning Task #2 July 21, 1999

Seeking Out Useful Information

A. 1) Steel, B. (1996). Thinking Globally and Acting Locally. Journal of Environmental Management May 1996 Volume 47, Page 27. 2) Stern, P (1995) The New Ecological Paradigm in Social-Psychological Context. Journal of Environment and Behavior, Volume 27 No. 6, November 1995. 3) Geller, E. Scott (1995) Integrating Behaviorism and Humanism for Environmental Protection. Journal of Social Science Issues Volume 51, Winter 1995. 4) Schmitt, M., Schwartz, S., Steyer, R. (1993) Measurement Models for the Schwartz Values. European Journal of Psychological Assessment Volume 9 (2), 1993.

B. I am still trying to work out a meaningful method to catalog the information. I have developed a file on my computer to organize relevant information into a system, which is easily accessible and can be manipulated by topic and content. I also have established a three-ringed notebook for organizing notes, and copied or published materials. Organization of these materials will be critical as I proceed with writing my masters paper. I suspect that any system I would develop will be messy (storage in boxes) and probably not as organized as it could be. Im open to suggestions!

C. The researched information should enhance my understanding of why people behave the way they do when it comes to perceptive thought processes relating to environmental risk. This should provide some insights about educational methodologies that could best be employed to engage people with varying environmental value orientations. This knowledge will add a new dimension to my professional teaching approach in environmental education. I also find that from a personal interest aspect, I am intrigued by the potential of being able to predict human environmental behavior based on human model profiles. The other aspect, which will be meaningful to me as a professional educator, will be how a psychological perspective of individual or group empowerment can alter attitudes, expectancies or beliefs about environmental issues.

-- Anonymous, July 21, 1999