October 11th, 2021

Author : Stefano C. Chiampo
​United World College of South East Asia, Singapore.

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Abstract
​Anthropogenic climate change is starting to have a greater negative influence on habitats and species, so we need to find new methods to engage humans in saving our planet. In this research paper, the theory of biophilia is explored and methods for promoting marine conservation are tested through video stimuli. The aim of this study is to explore how a video stimulus of animal interaction could result in engagement with conservation. This was achieved through the use of a questionnaire that gauged qualitative and quantitative reactions of participants to a video stimulus. Respondents ranked their connection with the environment as well as their level of motivation for saving the environment, after watching video of human-animal interaction, participants were asked similar questions. These changes, as well as qualitative responses of watching the video were analysed to see if any change in attitude was evident. In qualitative analysis, it was noticed that many respondents expressed a desire to ‘protect our oceans’ after exposure to the video stimulus. Others expressed an attachment to octopus – the animal presented in the video. On scales of one to ten, participants initially responded high, and that was maintained after the video as well. With these findings we can start making informed choices about our methods for outreach; will a video incite a strong enough connection between humans and animals that they start aiding in conservation efforts?

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Research Paper : 

Environmental Awareness Through Biophilia-inciting Video Stimulus
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