Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
7246004 | Journal of Environmental Psychology | 2014 | 11 Pages |
Abstract
Despite evidence that monitoring domestic electricity usage can reduce consumption, there is currently little information on what factors motivate people to monitor their consumption. The present research used an augmented version of the theory of planned behavior as a framework for understanding householders' intentions. Participants (N = 346) completed a questionnaire measuring their beliefs about electricity use and monitoring consumption, their environmental behavior, and concern about climate change. Regression revealed that the primary predictors of intentions to monitor consumption were perceived behavioral control, attitudes toward monitoring, past behavior, descriptive, and subjective norms. In addition, we developed a modified home electricity monitor that legged when participants looked at their consumption. A subset of participants (n = 38) were given a monitor for three months. Participants looked at the monitor relatively frequently during the first week but usage rapidly declined. There was, however, some evidence that participants found the monitor beneficial.
Related Topics
Social Sciences and Humanities
Psychology
Applied Psychology
Authors
Thomas L. Webb, Yael Benn, Betty P.I. Chang,