10.2190/MLAL-2X4C-RR19-QJV6 MLAL2X4CRR19QJV6 4 A Parametric Analysis of Prompting Procedures to Encourage Electrical Energy Conservation 329 339 20020509 20020509 20020509 20020509 MLAL2X4CRR19QJV6.pdf http://baywood.metapress.com/link.asp?target=contribution&id=MLAL2X4CRR19QJV6 4 Paul D. Luyben State University of New York College at Cortland Prompting procedures frequently have been used to promote energy conservation. Very little is known about the parametric effects of variables associated with prompts, however, as most research has compared prompt and no-prompt conditions. In this research the parametric effects of frequency of prompts were examined. Five groups of college faculty received 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7 prompts, respectively, to turn off lights after classes. The data show that groups which received two or more prompts were more responsive than the group which received one prompt, but were not different from each other. Relating to other research, these results support the view that timing of prompts is more important than frequency. Needs for future research are outlined. J. J. Carlyle and E. S. Geller, "Behavioral Approaches to Reducing Residential Energy Consumption: A Critical Review, manuscript available from E. S. Geller, Psychology Department, Virginia Polytechnical and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, 1979. R. A. Winett, Prompting Turning Out Lights in Unoccupied Rooms, <i>Journal of Environmental Systems, 7</i>:3, pp. 237-241, 1977. W. C. Becker, S. Englemann and D. R. Thomas, <i>Teaching I: Classroom Management</i>, Science Research Associates, Chicago, 1975. L. J. Becker and C. Seligman, Reducing Air Conditioning Waste by Signalling It Is Cool Outside, <i>Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 4</i>, pp. 412-415, 1978. R. A. Winnett, S. Kaiser and G. Haberkorn, The Effects of Monetary Rebates and Feedback on Electricity Conservation, <i>Journal of Environmental Systems, 6</i>:4, pp. 329-341, 1977. T. J. Newsome and U. G. Makranczy, Reducing Electricity Consumption of Residents Living in Mass Metered Dormitory Complexes, <i>Journal of Environmental Systems, 7</i>:3, pp. 215-236, 1978. R. C. Battalio, J. H. Kagel, R. C. Winkler and R. A. Winett, "Residential Electricity Demand: An Experimental Study," unpublished. J. M. Walker, Energy Demand Behavior in a Master Metered Apartment Complex: An Experimental Analysis, (Report No. 39), available from J. M. Walker, Department of Economics, Texas A & M University, College Station, Texas. R. A. Winett, and M. T. Nietzel, Behavioral Ecology: Contingency Management of Consumer Energy Use, <i>American Journal of Community Psychology, 3</i>, pp. 123-133, 1975. M. H. Palmer, M. E. Lloyd and K. E. Lloyd, An Experimental Analysis of Electricity Conservation Procedures, <i>Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 10</i>, pp. 665-672, 1978. D. J. Delprato, Prompting Electrical Energy Conservation in Commercial Users, <i>Environment and Behavior, 9</i>, pp. 433-440, 1977. E. S. Zolik, L. A. Jason, D. Nair and M. Peterson, Conservation of Electricity on a College Campus, poster presentation at the Association for Behavior Analysis Annual Convention, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, May 1982. P. D. Luyben, Effect of a Presidential Prompt on Energy Conservation in College Classrooms, <i>Journal of Environmental Systems, 10</i>:1, pp. 17-25, 1980. P. D. Luyben, Effects of Informational Prompts on Energy Conservation in College Classrooms, <i>Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 13</i>:4, pp. 611-618, 1980. J. M. Darley and B. Latane, Bystander Intervention in Emergencies. Diffusion of Responsibility, <i>Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 8</i>, pp. 377-383, 1968.