FACTORS AFFECTING THE ENVIRONMENTAL ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOURS OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN TURKEY

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to determine the Environmental Attitudes of University Students (EAUS). Research data were obtained by questionnaire method from 737 university students, mainly Hitit University, from April through May 2017. A previously validated Likert Scale was used to determine the factors affecting EAUS. The validity of the scale was statistically tested with a KMO and Bartlett Test (0.842). The factors affecting EAUS were determined through an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). As a result of the EFA, three factors explained 57.92% of the total variance and revealed 12 variables. These factors were named as 'attitude', 'field activity', and 'intention'. Cronbach's Alpha, indicating internal consistency, was calculated as .781. The measurements were investigated through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). According to the CFA; CMIN/DF: 2.115, NFI: .958, CFI: .977, GFI: .979, IFI: .977, TLI: .969, and RMSEA is .039. The results indicate that not only theoretical education, but also field activity, should be done together with the students. Students should be given practical training that will raise environmental awareness, and environmentally friendly behaviours should be encouraged.