Empirical evaluation of a socio-environmental research tool: the relevance of participatory diagnosis

The aim of this paper is to analyze the application of a research instrument and its potential for social and environmental assessment in a population sample. This is a cross-sectional cluster sampling study (22 per 10), conducted in a community in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. We used a questionnaire validated by judges and structured in four dimensions punctuated in Likert scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive techniques supported by SPSS Statistics 22.0 software. 226 residents were interviewed. Data collection enabled the construction of relevant socio-environmental indicators to support environmental education actions in the field of study. The main challenges of the scenario related to the affective perception of people by the environment; the disposal of electronic and organic waste; and social interaction between community and local institutions. The research instrument presented application feasibility and diagnostic evaluation potential to support an intervention plan in environmental education actions. In addition, it was established as an opportunity for interaction with the research subject, arousing their interest to face the identified problems.