When do recycling attitudes predict recycling? An investigation of self-reported versus observed behavior

We examine differences between the role of social influence and worldview (i.e., anthropocentrism) in self-reported and observed recycling behavior. Based on self-determination theory, we suggest social influence prompts a sense of controlled regulation, moderating the relationship between attitudes and self-report recycling behavior; whereas ecological worldviews prompt a sense of autonomous regulation, moderating the relationship between attitudes and observed recycling behavior. Both a laboratory-based paradigm and survey were administered to 108 participants. Results indicate that self-reported and observed recycling behavior are correlated, but not strongly. Additionally, results showed that social influence moderates the relationship between recycling attitudes and self-reported recycling behavior, but not observed behavior. Conversely, anthropocentrism moderates the relationship between recycling attitudes and observed recycling behavior, but not self-reported behavior. Implications and avenues for future research are discussed.