Characteristics and volunteering behaviors of Purdue Master Gardener interns and Master Gardeners

Elizabeth Ann Gall, Purdue University

Abstract

Descriptive characteristics of Purdue Master Gardener Interns and Master Gardeners and characteristics of the Purdue Master Gardener Program were measured through an online Qualtrics questionnaire. Based upon the Theory of Planned Behavior a conceptual model with five potentially predictive variables to volunteer behavior was created, which guided this research. Demographics, attitudes, self-efficacy, the operationalization of participation in the PMG Program, and prior volunteering experience were measured through the questionnaire, in order to describe relationships between these five potentially predictive variables and total volunteer hours and to build a model to predict volunteering behaviors within the Purdue Master Gardener Program and potentially within other volunteering sectors as well. Six hundred seventy-three Purdue Master Gardener Interns and Master Gardeners completed the questionnaire including 173 Purdue Master Gardener Interns and 500 Master Gardeners. Results from the study indicate that Master Gardeners tend to be white/Non-Hispanic, above median income level, above average education level, older, and retired. Purdue Master Gardener Interns reported satisfaction with the educational training portion of the program. Respondents of the survey also reported having strong, positive attitudes about volunteering with no significant increase through participation in the program indicating strong, positive attitudes about volunteering were held before participation in the Purdue Master Gardener Program. Self-efficacy was reported as having increased through participation. A predictive model to volunteering behaviors was built based on seven predictive variables to volunteering behavior: education, self-efficacy, years as a Master Gardener, whether or not the respondent volunteered before participation in the Purdue Master Gardener Program, whether or not the respondent participated in a service-learning experience before participation, if one had volunteered as a child or young adult, and if one had influential adults in one's life who emphasized volunteering. The predictive model to volunteering behaviors has many implications for predicting volunteer behavior within the Purdue Master Gardener Program and potentially other volunteering contexts.

Degree

M.S.

Advisors

Orvis, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Social research|Horticulture

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