Becky L. Yust

Occupant Predictors of Household Energy Behavior and Consumption Change as Found in Energy Studies Since 1975

Reported research since 1975 on human behavior and energy consumption was reviewed to identify occupant predictors of household energy-consumption behavior and energy-consumption change. The results of this review were framed against a human ecosystem theory model. Occupant predictors of reduced energy-consumption behavior and energy-consumption change were classified as occupant characteristics, occupant attitudes, and occupant actions. Variables identified in studies that most frequently affected energy behavior and energy consumption were income, age, education, home ownership, desire for comfort, major weatherization, and incentives. These findings support the underlying premise of the human ecosystem theory: Variables from the natural, the social, and the designed environments and human organism variables interact to affect energy consumption.

Residential energy consumption: 1987 to 1997

The purpose of this study was to examine energy-conserving practices and consumption from 1987 to 1997 using a human ecosystem framework. Research on energy consumption and practices at the household level has been minimal in recent years. Factors that influence household energy consumption were examined, including climate, demographic characteristics of the households, housing characteristics including weatherization features and appliances, and occupant behaviors. This study was a secondary analysis of data compiled by the Energy Information Administration from the 1987, 1990, 1993, and 1997 Residential Energy Consumption Surveys and included only owner-occupied, single-family detached residences. Based on multiple regression analyses, more than 30% of the household energy consumption was accounted for by the variables representing the environments of the human ecosystem.

Views on Mentoring by Clothing and Textiles Faculty

Mentoring is one strategy that might be key to facilitating faculty retention and promotion. The purpose of the present research was to investigate how prevalent mentoring is and whether it is perceived as aiding the development, success, and work satisfaction of clothing and textiles faculty in post-secondary education. A random sample of 33 ITAA members (N = 32 females, 1 male) completed an in-depth telephone interview. Most participants were involved either in mentoring their colleagues or in being mentored. Relationships reported involved senior faculty mentoring junior faculty rather than peer mentoring. Participants noted that a mentoring relationship was important to their career advancement as junior faculty and to work satisfaction as senior faculty. Participants also noted that administrative support in several forms was necessary for mentoring relationships to be successful. Implications are presented for faculty concerning their involvement in mentoring.

Beyond Renting and Owning: The Housing Accommodations of Low-Income Families

This mixed-methods study used structured, in-depth interviews to collect data that was analyzed quantitatively as well as qualitatively to explore the long-term housing patterns experienced by low-income families and the ways in which vouchers affect these patterns. Using a life-course theoretical framework and an event history approach, information on past housing, employment, and life circumstances was collected from 30 participants, 17 who had a voucher and 13 on the waiting list to receive one. The low-income families in the study moved frequently, through rental housing, homeless shelters, and living with family and friends. After receiving a voucher, families lived independently in rental housing and had greater housing stability. This research offers a framework for understanding the complex residential mobility patterns of low-income families, which includes the use of informal and formal housing assistance. The findings highlight the high level of housing insecurity experienced by low-income people and emphasize the important role that Housing Choice Vouchers play in helping families with serious housing problems.

Local housing and service decisions: Planning for aging adults in rural communities

Abstract The purpose of this research was to identify factors associated with local housing and service decisions that support aging adults in rural communities. These decisions represent de factostrategies that affect the quality of life of older residents and their ability to age in place. Data were collected from 951 informants in 134 Midwest rural communities. Analyses were undertaken to identify the role of community characteristics in predicting the availability of a group of housing options and support services. Findings support the notion that the community context is important to the delivery of key housing and service needs. Population size, proportion of community residents 65 years and older, and housing planning processes promoted gains in housing and services.

Moisture Problems in Houses Built in 1991 and 1992 in Minnesota

AbstractThis paper reports the results of a survey completed by 199 homeowners in the Minneapolis-St. Paul suburbs of Coon Rapids and Woodbury, Minnesota. The purpose of the research was twofold. The first purpose was to find out if moisture problems existed in these newer-built houses and the extent to which homeowners were aware of the problems. The second purpose was to determine if the presence of moisture problems would affect the satisfaction of the homeowners and ultimately lead to dissatisfied homeowners deciding to move to another house. The Morris and Winter Theory of Housing Adjustment was the basis for the study design. Fifty-four percent of the households surveyed reported three or more serious indicators of moisture problems in their houses. Only four households, howevel; reported that they would consider moving to another house because of the problems. While homeowners recognized moisture problems in their houses, the results suggest that there is a need for education of homeowners on how t...

Exploring housing quality measures in a rural area of the Philippines

AbstractHousing quality in a rural region of Leyte Province, the Philippines, was examined to develop a model to identify predictors of housing quality, one of the six housing norms within the theory of housing adjustment. Data were drawn from interviews with 150 female heads of households from ten rural villages in the upland and lowland areas near the town of Baybay, the Philippines. Logistic regression was used in the analysis. As expected, socio-economic status was significantly related to housing quality, as were the village’s location, the age of the male-head of the household, and tenure. The number of stories of the house and the crowding measure were not significantly related to housing quality. This research provides documentation for evaluating both equitable distribution of housing and economic development programs and policies in developing areas.

Twin tragedies in the twin cities: Childhood lead poisoning and the loss of affordable rental housing

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact that the Minnesota lead policy had on affordable rental housing in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Questionnaires were sent to 487 owners of property in those cities who were issued lead orders in 1994 or 1995; 147 questionnaires were returned. There was a significant difference in the implementation of the state policy by the two cities. Lead orders written by the City of Minneapolis required more work, more complex work, and higher costs than did the lead orders written by the City of St. Paul. Orders issued by St. Paul were more in line with hazard reduction (lead-safe) activities, whereas those issued by Minneapolis were more in line with abatement (lead-free) activities. In Minneapolis, there was a significantly greater loss of affordable housing units through abandonment by the property owner, condemnation by the city, increased vacancy periods, and changes in the affordability level.

Housing as an Indicator of Rural Vitality: The Methodology

Theoretical Framework Social systems theory (Deacon & Firebaugh, 1981; Jenkins, 1983; Warren, 1978) provides a framework by which economic vitality in non-metropolitan areas can be studied. The systems approach also serves as a basis for the research objectives of this study: (1) to examine the relationships between housing and household characteristics to predict rural economic community vitality, and (2) to develop a model that includes housing and household characteristics to predict rural community vitality. Systems theory uses the components of input, throughput, and output to explain system functioning. Inputs are various characteristics and resources available to the system, throughput is how those resources are used and processed, and output is the end product that results from the processing. In this research project, the non-metropolitan community is the system under study. Inputs include goods and services that are in demand by the citizens. Throughput includes how those goods and services are used to create a physical infrastructure, human capital, and an economic base to sustain life. The outcome or, in systems terminology, output is community vitality. Figure 1 illustrates how systems theory was applied to the study of community vitality in this project. Frequently omitted from discussion of factors that affect economic vitality are housing conditions and household characteristics. Housing is a community resource that contributes greatly to quality of life and does influence overall community vitality. If

Microwave Cooking Appliance Placement in Residential Kitchens

Two studies were conducted to determine recommendations for placement of a microwave cooking appliance in residential kitchens. In the first study, 30 sub jects completed tasks using microwave ovens located at heights typically used in kitchens and evaluated the safety and convenience of the tasks on a five-point rating scale. The ratings at the varied microwave oven heights differed signifi cantly for both safety and convenience evaluations. In the second study, 24 par ticipants prepared a dinner meal. Data collected included the number, purpose, and sequence of trips between the work centers during the meal preparation. The utilization of a microwave oven did significantly change work-center rela tionships. Based on these studies, for safe use, the microwave oven should be located so that the interior food shelf or rack is no higher than the users shoulder; for most convenient use, the interior shelf or rack should be located from between 2 in. (5 cm) below the elbow to 10 in. (25 cm) above the elbow. The microwave oven center should be placed so that it is close to the mix center. When the microwave oven and range are combined in one center, this center should also be convenient to the sink center.