Two studies supported the hypothesis that signs designed to create a new polystyrene schema would be more effective than signs that did not address patrons' existing schemata. Schema-sensitive signs would (a) clearly define different types of polystyrene, (b) teach how clean polystyrene needed to be, and (c) keep contaminants out of the recycling bin. Study 1 showed a substantial increase in volume (from .25 to 3.5 bins recycled per day) and cleanliness (from major contamination to none), as well as corresponding increases in cafeteria patrons' knowledge about polystyrene recycling. Study 2 replicated the behavioral effects. Relative to the baseline, with schema-sensitive signs in place, weight increased by 87% and cleanliness scores improved by 43%. Although recycling quantity and quality improved during additional interventions, they were not significantly higher than levels achieved with only the schema-sensitive signs. Discussion suggested using schemasensitive interventions that are embedded in the total behavioral system.
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