Measuring Actions for Nature—Development and Validation of a Pro-Nature Conservation Behaviour Scale

Lea Barbett,Miles Richardson,Edward Stupple,Malcolm Schofield,Michael Sweet

doi:10.3390/su12124885

Abstract

Scientists have classed the ongoing decline in biodiversity—caused by humans—as a mass extinction. To mitigate the consequences of this extinction, immediate action is of the utmost importance. However, effective ways of promoting pro-nature conservation behaviours to preserve and enhance biodiversity require better understanding and measurement. Thus, a reliable and valid measurement tool is needed. While there are measurement tools for general pro-environmental behaviours, as of yet, no measure of behaviours that specifically promote biodiversity exists. Here, we present such a tool: the Pro-Nature Conservation Behaviour Scale (ProCoBS), a psychometrically validated questionnaire scale measuring active behaviours that specifically support the conservation of biodiversity. An item pool developed through consultation with wildlife and biodiversity experts was subjected to psychometric scale development analyses. Data from 300 participants were used to develop the 18-item ProCoBS long form, as well as an 8-item short form. A latent variable model with four factors (Individual Engagement, Social Engagement, Planting, and Wildlife) was identified. In a second study, a subset of 250 of the original participants answered the questionnaire again, in addition to related psychological constructs. The data were used to assess test–retest reliability and construct validity. Results showed that the scale and its short form were reliable (full scale: α = 0.893, short form: α = 0.825) and valid. In a third study, a representative sample of 1298 adults in the UK completed the short form. Confirmatory Factor Analysis demonstrated a good fit for all factors, indicating that the ProCoBS is a psychometrically robust measure. The ProCoBS provides the definitive, much needed tool for measuring conservation behaviours. This will enhance research and impact practical work in the conservation domain for a sustainable future. A cross-cultural examination of the scale is still needed.

Highlights

Society today is confronted with a range of environmental challenges
A Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Pro-Nature Conservation Behaviour Scale (ProCoBS)-SF indicated a good-fit with the two-factor structure found in the Exploratory Factor Analysis, indicating that the proposed factor structure was psychometrically robust
Biodiversity loss will have similar devastating global consequences to climate change, yet behaviours to counter biodiversity loss are, by far, less studied than behaviours relating to mitigating climate change

Summary

Introduction

Human population growth and consumption behaviours all over the world have caused many threats to our planet and all its inhabitants. The most topical of these challenges is climate change, which has become a widely known issue. Many scientific disciplines have addressed climate change, and it is a driver for new policies and legislation all over the world, an example of which can be found in [1]. Biodiversity on our planet is decreasing at an alarming rate, which will have a grave impact on the environment, as well as on humans [2]. This is less widely known and less covered in the media than climate change-related issues [3]

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Discussion

Conclusion