General Information
Project description
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 sixth wave of this longitudinal study (classified as public opinion research). This wave will produce data for the 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; and 5) Perceived threats from climate change.
Analysis Plan
Pre-analysis plan: Is there a pre-analysis plan associated with this registration?
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 6 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) Do Canadians perceive threats from climate change across multiple domains?
How hypothesis will be 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).
External link
Who is behind the project?
Project status:
Pre-registration
Methods
What is the project about?
Date published:
2 December 2022