record

Thesis Info

LABS ID
00655
Thesis Title
Street Art: a tool for increasing biodiversity awareness
Author
Diane Arrieta
2nd Author
3rd Author
Degree
MSc
Year
2014
Number of Pages
119
University
University of Edinburgh
Thesis Supervisor
Elizabeth Stevenson, Timothy Squires
Supervisor e-mail
e.stevenson AT ed.ac.uk
Other Supervisor(s)
tim.squires AT ed.ac.uk
Language(s) of Thesis
English
Department / Discipline
Biomedical Sciences
Copyright Ownership
Diane Arrieta
Languages Familiar to Author
English
URL where full thesis can be found
www.researchgate.net/publication/273060022_Street_Art_A_tool_for_increasing_biodiversity_awareness
Keywords
biodiversity, street art, science communication, science literacy, visual art
Abstract: 200-500 words
Conservationists often find it difficult to communicate the complexities of the various aspects of biodiversity (i.e., genetic, species, and environmental diversity) and how this web of interdependent ecological interactions affects human well- being. The media generally provide scattered, incomplete, and unbalanced information to the general public, leaving great gaps in knowledge and understanding that can impede a person’s ability to make sound life-decisions. For this thesis work, a street art mural was constructed in a public space (in Boynton, Beach, FL U.S.A.) as a means to test a novel approach for communicating information about biodiversity and raising awareness to a public audience. The aim was to examine public awareness of the term biodiversity, gauge the ability of this particular mural image to convey a complex biodiversity concept, and determine if this mural image could act as an incentive for people to actively seek out new knowledge related to biodiversity. A self-directed survey was placed online, with a project webpage that included a brief overview of biodiversity and links for resources on more in depth information. A Quick Response Code (QR Code) was placed on the mural to direct traffic to the survey and website. This study used a non-probability convenience sampling approach. Results show that only 20 of 187 (10.8%) of the total respondents understood the entire meaning intended concerning biodiversity and the link to human and animal wellbeing. However, 94 of 187 (50.5%) of the respondents reported they would visit the links provided in order to learn more about biodiversity. i Conceptual images, as used in this mural, may not be completely understood by the general public, but can still be effective at piquing interest and motivating behavior towards seeking out knowledge. Street art can be used to encourage public dialogue about environmental topics and initiate an examination of the repercussions environmental degradation has on human (and animal) welfare.