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The Evaluation of Information Campaigns to Promote Voluntary Household Water Conservation

Author

Listed:
  • Geoffrey J. Syme

    (Australian Research Centre for Water in Society)

  • Blair E. Nancarrow

    (Australian Research Centre for Water in Society)

  • Clive Seligman

    (University of Western Ontario, Canada)

Abstract

Save-water campaigns are the most common tools for promoting household water conservation. Despite their popularity, there is some debate about how effective they are. In this article, the authors provide a representative review of the summative evaluations of persuasive conservation programs. It is concluded that there is an underuse of quasi-experimental techniques and qualitative analysis. Most have been too broad to allow for specific suggestions for improving campaigns. In the second half of the review, an outline of a communications model is offered and literature relating to both input and output variables pertaining to persuasion summarized. Gaps in understanding are identified. The need to systematically research behavioral change models to improve understanding and performance of persuasive water conservation campaigns is discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Geoffrey J. Syme & Blair E. Nancarrow & Clive Seligman, 2000. "The Evaluation of Information Campaigns to Promote Voluntary Household Water Conservation," Evaluation Review, , vol. 24(6), pages 539-578, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:evarev:v:24:y:2000:i:6:p:539-578
    DOI: 10.1177/0193841X0002400601
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Daniel Kahneman & Amos Tversky, 2013. "Prospect Theory: An Analysis of Decision Under Risk," World Scientific Book Chapters, in: Leonard C MacLean & William T Ziemba (ed.), HANDBOOK OF THE FUNDAMENTALS OF FINANCIAL DECISION MAKING Part I, chapter 6, pages 99-127, World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd..
    2. Verhallen, Theo M. M. & Pieters, Rik G. M., 1984. "Attitude theory and behavioral costs," Journal of Economic Psychology, Elsevier, vol. 5(3), pages 223-249, September.
    3. Winett, Richard A & Kagel, John H, 1984. "Effects of Information Presentation Format on Resource Use in Field Studies," Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Consumer Research Inc., vol. 11(2), pages 655-667, September.
    4. Craig, C Samuel & McCann, John M, 1978. "Assessing Communication Effects on Energy Conservation," Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Consumer Research Inc., vol. 5(2), pages 82-88, Se.
    5. Ajzen, Icek, 1991. "The theory of planned behavior," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 50(2), pages 179-211, December.
    6. Verhallen, T.M.M. & Pieters, R., 1984. "Attitude theory and behavioral costs," Other publications TiSEM 7cae95a3-287c-403e-ad95-d, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.
    7. Condelli, Larry & Archer, Dane & Aronson, Elliot & Curbow, Barbara & McLeod, Beverly & Pettigrew, Thomas F. & White, Lawrence T. & Yates, Suzanne, 1984. "Improving utility conservation programs: Outcomes, interventions, and evaluations," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 9(6), pages 485-494.
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    Cited by:

    1. Katrin Millock & Céline Nauges, 2010. "Household Adoption of Water-Efficient Equipment: The Role of Socio-Economic Factors, Environmental Attitudes and Policy," Environmental & Resource Economics, Springer;European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists, vol. 46(4), pages 539-565, August.
    2. Maria Carmela Aprile & Damiano Fiorillo, 2016. "Water Conservation Behavior and Environmental Concerns," Discussion Papers 6_2016, CRISEI, University of Naples "Parthenope", Italy.
    3. Jean-Daniel Rinaudo & Marielle Montginoul & Jean-François Desprats, 2015. "The development of private bore-wells as independent water supplies: challenges for water utilities in France and Australia," Post-Print hal-01290169, HAL.
    4. René Cabral & Luciano Ayala & Victor Hugo Delgado, 2017. "Residential Water Demand and Price Perception under Increasing Block Rates," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 37(1), pages 508-519.
    5. Roberto Martínez-Espiñeira & María Á. García-Valiñas, 2013. "Adopting versus adapting: adoption of water-saving technology versus water conservation habits in Spain," International Journal of Water Resources Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 29(3), pages 400-414, September.

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