Department or Program
Environmental Studies
Abstract
The current work uses an experimental design with random assignment to extend the literature on the use of ecosystem services valuation (ESV) to promote conservation, with a focus on both monetary and non-monetary support of the United States National Park Service (USNPS). We use an online survey experiment to test whether the type of value (use or non-use) used to characterize the benefits of the resource, as well as the presence of ESV information, affects attitudes and behaviors toward United States National Parks. We find that participants exposed to the non-use framing condition were willing to pay more in taxes to fund national parks compared to those in the use framing condition. Adding ESV information to the use-value condition returns taxation support to levels comparable to those in the non-use value condition. We then conduct a series of five focus groups to elicit reactions to and attitudes toward different framing techniques. We find that appeals related to preservation for future generations spark greater emotional connection and are more effective than emphasizing the benefits of current use. This work contributes to our understanding of how different message frames influence public support for conservation efforts and provides recommendations for designing policies that effectively use these frames to encourage greater civic engagement in environmental protection.
Level of Access
Restricted: Embargoed [Bates Community After Expiration]
First Advisor
Sandra Goff
Date of Graduation
5-2025
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Recommended Citation
Williams, Drew, "Framing Value: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Economic Valuation of Non-Use Value and Pro-Environmental Behavior" (2025). Standard Theses. 374.
https://scarab.bates.edu/envr_studies_theses/374
Number of Pages
58
