Mapping Environmental Perceptions in Texas, in partnership with the Institute of Science, Technology and Public Policy

This project is based on a series of studies conducted in partnership with the Institute of Science, Technology and Public Policy at the Bush School of Government. This research focuses on spatially analyzing environmental perceptions in major urban areas across the state. We combine survey data with spatial analytical techniques to better understand how location, proximity, and space impacts environmental perceptions. Two studies examine environmental perceptions for water quality in San Antonio and one study examines perceptions of air quality in Dallas and Houston.

1) Traditionally, researchers explain environmental perceptions through socioeconomic and demographic factors, such as income, age, and party identification. It is increasingly being recognized, however, that knowledge of and support for protecting specific features of the landscape are influenced by one’s location, setting, and proximity to such features. In this study, we expand on previous efforts to model environmental perceptions by introducing distance from environmental features as a variable. Specifically, we test the degree to which the actual driving distance respondents live from two San Antonio, Texas creeks affects respondents’ knowledge and perceptions of the natural resource. We show that when accounting for socioeconomic and geographic contextual variables, residential distance from the creeks remains a significant factor in explaining both familiarity with them and views on extent of water pollution in them. Based on the results, we discuss the implications of incorporating proximity factors in watershed planning and policy.

2) Past research on environmental perceptions has, for the most part, treated responses as independently distributed across a given study area. However, a random sampling of respondents may not necessarily produce a randomly distributed pattern of views on the natural environment. This study explores the degree to which perceptions of water quality are spatially correlated across two watersheds in San Antonio, Texas. Using spatial analysis techniques, we describe and map the mosaic of perceptions of water quality in Salado and Leon Creeks running through the heart of the metropolitan area. Specifically, we test the degree to which responses are spatially autocorrelated across the watersheds, and then provide explanation as to why clustering of perceptions occurs in specific locations. Results demonstrate that environmental perceptions are in fact spatially dependent across the landscape and that geographic networks of issue-based activism contribute to the formation of localized “hot spots” of similar responses. Finally, we discuss how the results provide direction for more effective approaches to watershed planning and policy.

3) This study seeks to improve understanding of the major factors shaping public perceptions of air quality by examining the spatial pattern of local risk perception, the role of socioeconomic characteristics in forming these perceptions, and the relationship between perceived and scientifically measured air pollution. First, we map the spatial pattern of local air quality perceptions using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) across the Dallas and Houston metropolitan areas. Next, we explain these perceptions through local contextual factors using both bivariate correlations and multivariate regression analysis. Results indicate that perceptions of air quality in the study areas are not significantly correlated with air quality based on readings of air monitoring stations. Instead, perceptions appear to be influenced by setting (urban versus rural), state identification, access to information, and socioeconomic characteristics such as age, race, and political identification. We discuss the implications of the findings and provide direction on how further research can provide a deeper understanding of the local contextual factors influencing public perceptions.

Articles:

Brody, S.D., Highfield, W. & Alston, L. (2004). Does Location Matter? Measuring Environmental Perceptions of Creeks in Two San Antonio Watersheds. Environment and Behavior 36(2): 229-250.

Brody, S.D., Highfield, W. & Peck, M. (Forthcoming). Exploring the Mosaic of Perceptions of Water Quality Across Watersheds in San Antonio, TX. Landscape and Urban Planning.

Brody, S.D., Peck, M. & Highfield, W. (Forthcoming). Examining Localized Patterns of Air Quality Perceptions in Texas: A Spatial and Statistical Analysis. Risk Analysis.

Links:   
   • Institute of Science, Technology and Public Policy
   • Bush School of Government