Energy Conservation: A Social Dilemma Approach. Special Issue: Applied Perspectives on Social and Temporal Dilemmas

Analyzes the problem of residential energy use and energy conservation, using a social dilemma approach. Laboratory experiments on social dilemmas and field studies of energy conservation are reviewed to identify psychological variables that promote cooperative behavior among group members in situations involving this pattern of social interdependence. Group methods for encouraging energy conservation have the potential to change consumers' energy use habits. Suggestions are offered for a group method for energy conservation.