Relevance of Behavioral and Social Models to the Study of Consumer Energy Decision Making and Behaviors
This report reviews social and behavioral science models and techniques for their possible use in understanding and predicting consumer energy decision making and behaviors. A number of models and techniques have been developed that address different aspects of the decision process, use different theoretical bases and approaches, and have been aimed at different audiences. Three major areas of discussion were selected: (1) models of adaptation to social change, (2) decision making and choice, and (3) diffusion of innovation. Within these three areas, the contributions of psychologists, sociologists, economists, marketing researchers, and others were reviewed. Five primary components of the models were identified and compared. The components are: (1) situational characteristics, (2) product characteristics, (3) individual characteristics, (4) social influences, and (5) the interaction or decision rules. The explicit use of behavioral and social science models in energy decision-making and behavior studies has been limited. Examples are given of a small number of energy studies which applied and tested existing models in studying the adoption of energy conservation behaviors and technologies, and solar technology.
- Research Organization:
- National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC36-08GO28308
- OSTI ID:
- 6734473
- Report Number(s):
- SERI/RR-722-341
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Application of Structured Decision Making to Hanford Site Radiological Air Monitoring - 17924
Risk, rationality, and community: Psychology, ethnography, and transactions in the risk management process
Related Subjects
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
ENERGY CONSERVATION
DECISION MAKING
SOLAR ENERGY
ATTITUDES
BEHAVIOR
COMMERCIALIZATION
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
MARKETING RESEARCH
PUBLIC OPINION
SIMULATION
SOCIOLOGY
ENERGY
ENERGY SOURCES
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
energy conservation
decision making
solar energy
attitudes
290200* - Energy Planning & Policy- Economics & Sociology
140000 - Solar Energy