Dissertation Defense Schedule
Academic Excellence
Sharing original dissertation research is a principle to which the University of Delaware is deeply committed. It is the single most important assignment our graduate students undertake and upon completion is met with great pride.
We invite you to celebrate this milestone by attending their dissertation defense. Please review the upcoming dissertation defense schedule below and join us!
PROGRAM | Energy & Environmental Policy
Society on its Best Behavior? A Mixed-Method Study on the Influence of External Societal Forces on Delawareans’ Private Pro-Environmental Behavior
By: Ariella Lewis Chair: Lawrence Agbemabiese
ABSTRACT
Every individual has a responsibility to shrink their contribution to human-induced environmental degradation by adopting pro-environmental behavior. An array of circumstances prompt or deter pro-environmental behavior. However, this case study contributed a valuable layer of information to current research by examining the degree to which society’s dynamic forces sway individuals’ pro-environmental behavior. These extrinsic forces were selected based on studies that have indicated that decisions do not emanate from the individual but rather coercive social forces that impel individuals to undertake certain behaviors. To study these behaviors, this case reviewed the most reliable national pollsters that have accumulated data on private pro-environmental behaviors performed by members of the public across the US. The predominant private pro-environmental behaviors surveyed by these national pollsters were classifiable into 5 categories: energy-related actions, water-related actions, product consumption-related actions, recycling-related actions, and transportation-related actions. Individuals across Delaware were then surveyed and interviewed regarding not only whether they performed these pro-environmental behaviors but more importantly, the reasons for their behavior. Based on an analysis of this case study’s accumulated data, extrinsic authority was discernible when individuals did not perform pro-environmental behavior. That is, society’s extrinsic forces functioned as a cognitive barrier to private pro-environmental behavior among Delawareans. As a result of this finding, various policy and theoretical implications were explored.
The Process
Step-by-Step
Visit our “Step-by-Step Graduation Guide” to take you through the graduation process.From formatting your Dissertation to Doctoral Hooding procedures.
Dissertation Manual
Wondering how to set up the format for your paper. Refer to the “UD Thesis/Dissertation Manual” for formatting requirements and more.
Defense Submission Form
This form must be completed two weeks in advance of a dissertation defense to meet the University of Delaware Graduate and Professional Education’s requirements.
