TY - JOUR
T1 - A comparative study of attitude theory and other theoretical models for understanding travel behaviour
AU - Dijst, Martin
AU - Farag, Sendy
AU - Schwanen, Tim
PY - 2008/4
Y1 - 2008/4
N2 - In this study we investigate the extent to which the integration of psychological mechanisms from attitude theory into conventional analytical approaches can advance our understanding of travel behaviour. Three models, which explain volitions (intentions) in different ways, are specified and discussed: a customary model (CM) that directly links attitude and external variables (eg sociodemographics) to volition; a simplified version of the extended model of goal-directed behaviour (EMGB) that links attitude to volition via behavioural desire; and a hybrid model (HM) that integrates the two former models. Using survey data about the volition to buy media products (books, music, and DVDs, for example) online and in-store collected in four locations in the Utrecht region, the Netherlands, we find that shopping behaviour is reasonably well explained by the simplified EMGB. Past behaviour, perceived behavioural control, and subjective norms all have a statistically significant impact on the volition to shop online, while goal desire and perceived behavioural control significantly affect the volition to shop in-store. The results of the HM indicate that it is important to take external variables, such as access to physical stores and gender, into account when explaining shopping behaviour.
AB - In this study we investigate the extent to which the integration of psychological mechanisms from attitude theory into conventional analytical approaches can advance our understanding of travel behaviour. Three models, which explain volitions (intentions) in different ways, are specified and discussed: a customary model (CM) that directly links attitude and external variables (eg sociodemographics) to volition; a simplified version of the extended model of goal-directed behaviour (EMGB) that links attitude to volition via behavioural desire; and a hybrid model (HM) that integrates the two former models. Using survey data about the volition to buy media products (books, music, and DVDs, for example) online and in-store collected in four locations in the Utrecht region, the Netherlands, we find that shopping behaviour is reasonably well explained by the simplified EMGB. Past behaviour, perceived behavioural control, and subjective norms all have a statistically significant impact on the volition to shop online, while goal desire and perceived behavioural control significantly affect the volition to shop in-store. The results of the HM indicate that it is important to take external variables, such as access to physical stores and gender, into account when explaining shopping behaviour.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=43349105376&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1068/a39151
DO - 10.1068/a39151
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:43349105376
SN - 0308-518X
VL - 40
SP - 831
EP - 847
JO - Environment and Planning A
JF - Environment and Planning A
IS - 4
ER -