Appliance labeling educational program: an evaluation of the pilot test

The purpose of this study was to compare and analyze the knowledge and attitude posttest scores between students who were instructed on the EnergyGuide Label via the EnergyGuide Labeling Educational Packet and students who were not instructed on the label or introduced to the packet. Also, certain sociodemographic variables effect on knowledge responses were analyzed. Twelve secondary home economics teachers in Knox County and the City of Knoxville who volunteered to participate in this study were randomly assigned to either instruct on the label (treatment group) or not to instruct on the label (control group). The teachers in the treatment group instructed on the EnergyGuide Label using the information and activities available in the educational packet, and the teachers in the control group did not instruct on the label or introduce the packet. Significant comprehension occured for all instructed students compared to a test-only control. Although in general atti tudes did not differ significantly, there were differences on students' perceptions of the EnergyGuide Label and energy conservation education. The effect strength of the sociodemographic and group variables differed considerably; however, the overall combination of these variables was important in explaining the effects on students' knowledge responses on the EnergyGuide Label.