Difficulty Probing, General Probing, Specific Probing, Category-Selection Probing, Emergent Probing
Information on the aim and purpose of the test:
Question 8 is designed to determine whether respondents recognize the co-benefits of active transportation and climate protection—that is, whether they generally believe that walking or biking contributes to climate protection. If they tend to disagree or disagree completely with the statement, they are asked in the follow-up question 9 to explain their reasons.
The purpose of the test was to examine how the participants arrive at their answers and where they place themselves on the response scale. With regard to Question 8, particular attention was paid to the reasons for selecting the “somewhat, somewhat” category and the “I don’t know” response option. In addition, the study examined how easy or difficult the participants found it to answer this question. Finally, the study examined how test participants who already cover a large portion of their trips by bicycle respond. Regarding Question 9, the study examined whether the relevant reasons for rejecting the statement in Question 8 were cited, and what reasons were missing among test participants who selected “Other.”
Findings:
Almost all participants answered Question 8 with “Yes, absolutely” (n = 8) or “Yes, somewhat” (n = 3). Only one person chose “Somewhat,” and none of the participants—not even those who are reluctant to bike or walk and therefore do so infrequently—denied the positive contribution of active transportation to climate protection. Accordingly, none of the participants answered Question 9 regarding the reasons why they did not agree with the statement in Question 8.
How did the participants arrive at their answers? Does the response option they chose align with their reasoning?
The participants’ reasoning was consistently consistent with their answers. Regardless of which answer they selected, most participants were aware that their individual contribution to environmental protection accounted for only a small fraction of total emissions. In addition, several participants noted that—compared to driving—switching to public transportation already represents a positive contribution to environmental protection, and that riding an e-bike is not climate-neutral due to battery and electricity consumption.
§ “Because I think there’s a difference between one’s personal carbon footprint and the one that really makes a difference. In principle, it’s really important to think about this for yourself and try to avoid driving as much as possible. But on a larger scale, as an individual, you unfortunately have no influence. That might make a small difference, which is why I’m also in favor of ensuring that one’s values align with one’s behavior. But in principle, you don’t stand a chance against the big companies. That’s where politicians need to step in.” (TP01, Answer: Somewhat, somewhat)
§ “People often argue that the average person accounts for only a tiny fraction of emissions—that it’s mainly big companies, or someone who flies in a private jet 30 times a year. But I still believe that if I cut back on my own consumption, it will still have a positive impact on the climate.” (TP02, Yes, absolutely)
§ “Actually, ‘absolutely,’ but I’ll go with ‘somewhat.’ I don’t know if it makes a huge difference when I’m riding an e-bike or something like that. ‘Somewhat’ is an answer I feel more comfortable with; otherwise, it feels like an exaggeration.” (TP06, Answer: Yes, somewhat)
§ “My situation just forces me to drive. But I’m aware that it’s not exactly environmentally friendly […] For environmental reasons, I would ride a bike or walk. In terms of my mindset, I’m fully committed to environmental protection.” (TP12, Answer: Yes, completely)
How easy or difficult was it for the test persons to understand and answer the question?
All test participants reported that they found answering the question “very easy” (n = 8) or “somewhat easy” (n = 4).
