Energy Behavior
Archer, D., Pettigrew, T., Costanzo, M., Iritani, B., Walker, I. & White, L. (1987). Energy conservation and public policy: The mediation of individual behavior. Energy Efficiency: Perspectives on Individual Behavior, 69-92.
Evaluates 2 schools of thought about energy conservation--the behavioral school, which calls for incentives to individuals, and the attitude change approach, which relies on information and propaganda. Neither approach alone is seen as adequate, and a focus on groups, rather than individuals, is suggested. According to available research and theory, such an approach has the potential to change behavior and attitudes while avoiding problems of adaptation, reactance, and extrinsic motivation. Specific suggestions for energy policy are offered, including reliance on renewable energy sources managed by local groups; the psychological rationale for these policies is discussed.
