Honors College Thesis
 

Public Cognitions and Emotions Associated with Ocean Acidification and Sea Star Wasting Disease: An Exploratory Study in Oregon

Public Deposited

Downloadable Content

Download PDF
https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/honors_college_theses/m613n500v

Descriptions

Attribute NameValues
Creator
Abstract
  • Marine environments provide services for ecosystems and humans, but face many threats, including sea star wasting disease (SSWD) and ocean acidification (OA). Biological research on these threats is abundant, but there has been limited research examining the human dimensions of these threats. This thesis contains two standalone articles that explore public emotions and cognitions (attitudes, norms) toward SSWD and OA, and how these concepts are related to knowledge and perceptions of risk associated with these threats. Data were obtained from surveys (n = 507) of Oregon residents along the coastal and I-5 corridor areas of this state. Respondents were grouped by their risk and factual knowledge, and presented with photographs depicting deteriorating conditions associated with SSWD and OA, with questionnaire items measuring cognitions and emotions in response to each photograph. Results showed that: (a) knowledge of each threat was low; (b) as both knowledge and risk increased, awareness increased and emotions, attitudes, and norms became more negative, especially with deteriorating conditions; and (c) respondents perceived these threats as moderate risks to marine areas and slight risks to themselves. Explanations for these findings and implications for practitioners and researchers are discussed. For example, public education about these threats needs to improve.
  • Key Words: Ocean Acidification, Sea Star Wasting Disease, Public Perceptions, Marine Threats
Resource Type
Date Issued
Degree Level
Degree Name
Degree Field
Degree Grantor
Commencement Year
Advisor
Committee Member
Non-Academic Affiliation
Rights Statement
Funding Statement (additional comments about funding)
  • Funding from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Marine Reserves Program
Publisher
Peer Reviewed
Language
Embargo reason
  • Pending Publication
Embargo date range
  • 2021-06-01 to 2023-07-01

Relationships

Parents:

This work has no parents.

In Collection:

Items

Thumbnail Title Date Uploaded Visibility Actions
file details InsingaMaiaL2021.pdf 2021-06-01 Public Download