General Information
Project description
In partnership with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), the Impact and Innovation Unit (IIU) has launched a multi-year program of research on climate change. The Program of Applied Research on Climate Action in Canada (PARCA Canada) combines behavioural science (BeSci) insights and methods with robust policy analysis to promote climate action. One of the main areas of focus involves the launch of a longitudinal survey that will, over time, collect data on research questions of interest to the promotion of climate action in Canada (e.g. transportation, home energy use, waste management, engagement with nature, preparedness for extreme weather, disaster recovery, etc.) using a large and nationally representative sample of Canadians.
The current project is the second wave of this longitudinal study (classified as public opinion research). This wave will produce Canadian context: 1) Climate change knowledge, beliefs and attitudes; 2) Self-reported intentions and levels of engagement in key pro-climate behaviours; 3) Predictors that are relevant to intentions, behaviours, and policy support on climate change; 4) Behaviour or attitudinal based segments within the population.
Detailed information
Final report: Is there a final report presenting the results and conclusions of this project?
Pre-analysis plan: Is there a pre-analysis plan associated with this registration?
Hypothesis
Hypothesis
A comprehensive list of research questions can be found in the pre-analysis plan uploaded to the project.
Listed are some research questions the team will answer using Wave 1 data.
1) Do Canadians believe in climate change and to what extent do these beliefs predict support for climate policies?
2) What are the most common and uncommon pro-climate behaviours?
3) What predicts beliefs about climate change?
4) What sources are Canadians relying on for information in general?
5) Who do Canadians trust and distrust to make good decisions in their interest?
6) How willing are individuals to make changes in behaviour or take on costs to support pro-environmental initiatives?
6) Do latent groups exist based on beliefs, values, willingness, self-efficacy, etc…?
How hypothesis was tested
This is a general survey study design. When possible all participant data will be included to address research questions listed in the analysis plan. Where appropriate we will control for variables in the data that may influence the specific research questions. For example, controlling for key demographics looking at predictors of belief in climate change.
Dependent variables
A list of dependent variables can be found in the uploaded pre-analysis plan. Given the broad scope of the program of research and depending on the research question in focus, many variables listed are potential dependent variables.
Analyses
More detail can be found in the pre-analysis plan. In general, the current project relies on survey data collection. Research questions can be categorized to fit the statistical analysis appropriate to answering each question (e.g., descriptive statistics, correlation, regression, principal component analysis, and cluster analysis).
Who is behind the project?
Project status:
Completed
Methods
What is the project about?
Date published:
6 April 2022