Wiley Online Library - This study assessed the effectiveness of posting signs for reducing graffiti in three men's restrooms on a college campus using a multiple baseline across settings design. During baseline, graffiti increased almost daily in each of the three settings. Immediately following the intervention, no marks were made on any of the three walls. Results were maintained at 3-month follow-up. A possible explanation for the results is that the signs specified an altruistic contingency.
Graffiti is a common problem on college campuses. Although it is difficult to identify the exact cost of eradicating bath- room graffiti, it is estimated that removing graffiti costs at least $4,000,000,000 annually (Brewer, 1992). Thus, it may be more cost efficient to focus on preventing its occurrence rather than on removing the graffiti, providing alternative sites for writing, or punishing the offender - three strategies that are often used in responding to graffiti (Brewer, 1992). Posting signs in restrooms represents a cost-efficient, simple, and potentially effective method of preventing graffiti. Previous research has indicated that posted signs contributed to a reduced number of cars illegally parked in handicapped spaces (Cope & Allred, 1991), increased participation in a designated driver program (Brigham, Meier, & Goodner, 1995), and increased office paper recycling (Austin, Hatfield, Grindle, & Bailey, 1993). This study sought to extend the literature by investigating the effectiveness of using signs to prompt restroom users to avoid writing or drawing on restroom walls.
2 comments:
One of the great aha! moments in my life came when I found out, based on the ruins of Pompeii, that the Romans liked to write on bathroom walls.
For a good time with your pants on, read Sam Smith.
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