Honors Theses
Date of Award
5-4-2024
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Degree Name
BS
Department
Mathematics and Statistics
Faculty Mentor
Paramahansa Pramanik
Advisor(s)
Thomas Shaw, Olivia Atutey
Abstract
Different generations have different experiences from each other depending on the circumstances of the world they were raised in. As a result, different generations have different views of different controversial topics, and there are few topics as controversial as nuclear power. Throughout its history, it has been seen as both the solution to our energy problems, as well as a threat to the safety of life as we know it. This project aims to see if such a difference exists, and if so, what factors would be most influential in creating this difference? Would the past mistakes and catastrophes shape the views of newer generations? Or have the pressures and challenges of the modern era made people more amenable to the concept of nuclear power? We went about this by designing a survey to investigate variables we believe would affect a different generation’s views on nuclear power and then built a model to see if such views would change a person's opinions on nuclear power.
In our findings, we found that there were significant differences between Gen Z and the Baby Bomers. Particularly on matters of nuclear abolishment. It appears that even though Baby Boomers on average are more supportive than Gen Z towards nuclear power they are also more likely to advocate for its abolishment. While Gen Z, despite being less supportive of nuclear power, viewed abolishing the industry as an extreme scenario with over half saying they were against it. Cumulatively both generations had the economy as the factor most likely to sway their stance on nuclear power.
Recommended Citation
Moore, Eli, "Testing for the Significance of Generational Differences on Opinions of Nuclear Power" (2024). Honors Theses. 72.
https://jagworks.southalabama.edu/honors_college_theses/72
Comments
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