Z-test for gender populations

knowledge analysis for environment

Abstract

Environmental knowledge gives elemental practices and optimum utilization of resources. This gives a balanced surrounding with fulfillment of growing needs. This helps in repletion process. Gender based studies conducted have failed to reach a common conclusion. Hence this study was conducted to compare and measure the environmental knowledge of boys and girls. The city of Bikaner, Rajasthan was selected because it is located on the fringe of Thar desert making environment a very vital issue for the survival of the town. The study was conducted on youths of age group 14 to 20. Primary data was collected using pre-tested questionnaire. The study covered various aspects of environmental topics such as water, transportation, trees, air and global warming. To analyze difference in knowledge level of genders, chi-square or z-test were applied. Environmental knowledge index was calculated using cumulative scores and index number formula. The students were quite divided in their opinion on questions related to environmental topics such as water, transportation, trees and air. Some issues of the above mentioned topics raised no difference among the knowledge level of boys and girls where as in others differences crept. No significant differences in knowledge level of genders on global warming were observed. However, combined result showed girls seemed to possess more knowledge level with environmental knowledge index of 52.19 than boys of the same age group with a difference of 4.26. Environmental knowledge index was average hence students need to be informed more.