Energy and lifestyle: the development, testing and refinement of a Lifestyle-Expectation Index

Thesis/Dissertation · Fri Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1982

OSTI ID:6215072

Knutson, B J

This research was designed to develop, test and refine a Lifestyle Expectation Index (LEI) as a measure of the relative energy intensiveness of a household's expected living style, five years hence. A research model utilized an ecological perspective to conceptualize present lifestyle characteristics as precursors to the energy intensivity of expected styles of living. The primary data base to test the Lifestyle Expectation Index was collected during telephone interviews with 300 Michigan households. This sample was randomly selected from participants in Statewide Project Conserve, an energy-information-audit program. The program provided the secondary data base used in this study, including socio-demographic characteristics energy attitudes, conservation behaviors, and total direct household energy consumption. Results indicated that the 30-item index has an acceptable level of validity and reliability, as well as utility to profile households with varying energy-lifestyle expectations. The results also suggest that there is a predictive relationship between present lifestyle and the relative energy requirements of a household's anticipated mode of living in the near future. Based upon these findings, implications for future research, educational program, and public-policy development are presented.

• OSTI ID: 6215072
• Resource Relation: Other Information: Thesis (Ph. D.)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS
LIFE STYLES
MICHIGAN
HOUSEHOLDS
FEDERAL REGION V
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
NORTH AMERICA
USA
290200* - Energy Planning & Policy- Economics & Sociology
298000 - Energy Planning & Policy- Consumption & Utilization