Utilizing Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to examine Students' Attitudes (SA), Environmental Knowledge (EK), and Sustainable Behaviour (SB) at the University of Calabar in Nigeria.

Abstract

In this research, Students at the University of Calabar, Nigeria, had their Attitudes, Sustainable Behavior (SB), and Environmental Knowledge (EK) examined using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) method. The study specific objectives were to evaluate the covariance structures of the variables, confirm that the model fit the data, and ascertain the multifaceted and relative effects of environmental knowledge on attitude and sustainable behaviors. Using the correlational survey design and stratified random sampling technique, a representative sample size of 380 was selected from the study population, which consisted of 7,284 final-year students. A standardized questionnaire was used by the researchers to collect data. Additionally, AMOS SEM was used to test the statistics. The tool was validated by two specialists from the University of Calabar's Department of Educational Measurement and Evaluation. The internal consistency reliability analysis of the research instrument yielded Cronbach Alpha results of.80,.80,.81, and.80. With a correlation of r = 0.39, the study's results indicate a favorable relationship between attitude and knowledge. The attitude and sustainable behavior have a weak and negative association, as indicated by the correlation coefficient of r = -0.24. Additionally, a weak and negative association between knowledge and sustainable behavior is indicated by the correlation coefficient (r = -0.31). The model's fit indices were within reasonable bounds. The range of the factor loads was 0.60 to 0.88. The study concluded that becoming environmentally conscious requires more than just having a good outlook; institutional support, action-oriented learning, and reinforcement strategies are essential to the necessary behavioral practice.