Date of Award
8-2024
Degree Type
Masters Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
School
Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences
Committee Chair
Dr. David M. Cochran Jr.
Committee Chair School
Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences
Committee Member 2
Dr. Clay S. Tucker
Committee Member 2 School
Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences
Committee Member 3
Dr. Kayla D. Stan
Committee Member 3 School
Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences
Abstract
Anthropogenic climate change is a global concern that has the possibility to become the next world-altering event. While there is a substantial amount of scientific evidence proving its existence and harmful repercussions, there is still a lack of belief in its occurrence within the United States. This research uses survey data obtained from the University of Southern Mississippi to provide an understanding at a local scale of how both physical and psychological aspects bridge a gap in perception research.
With the use of previous research done by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication (YPCCC) and George Mason University Center for Climate Change Communication (Mason 4C), I compare survey results on climate change belief as well as perceptions of risk. Additionally, I assess psychological influences on climate perceptions using the Moral Foundations Theory, as well as obtain differences in views based on generation. In this thesis, I validate risk perception, morality, and generations each as useful methods in understanding climate perceptions. These results demonstrate the need for more granular-level research to understand how perceptions are presented.
Copyright
Kelly Wegmann, 2024
Recommended Citation
Wegmann, Kelly, "Promoting Greater Granularity in Climate Research: A Case Study Analyzing Perceptions of Anthropogenic Climate Change Among Students, Faculty, and Staff at The University of Southern Mississippi" (2024). Master's Theses. 1052.
https://aquila.usm.edu/masters_theses/1052