Michael Hennessy

An Evaluation of the Validity and Reliability of Survey Response Data On Household Electricity Conservation

In this article, we evaluate the reliability and validity of responses to a survey question inquiring as to whether or not households reduced electricity consumption during the energy crisis by directly comparing survey responses with actual kwh electricity consump tion data before and after second energy crisis of 1979. A response bias arises to the extent that when respondents are confronted directly by an interviewer, they are inclined to provide the interviewer with a socially acceptable response, namely that they reduced their consumption of electricity. Our analysis using data from a large sample of Hawaii households revealed that a bias toward overreporting electricity conservation indeed existed. However, the larger source of error stemmed from response unreliability, as indicated by the weak correlation between reported conservation behavior and actual electricity conservation.

A Value-Based Community Assessment Process

It is argued that community quality of life and social impact studies are similar in nature and can be integrated with a common analytical model for conducting community assessments. All such assessments must incorporate the basic values prevailing in the community, as expressed by community leaders and various segments of the population. Community assessments must also include both objective and subjective procedures, as neither approach is meaningful by itself. The initial stages of the proposed community assessment process are illustrated with research conducted on the island of Molokai in Hawaii. That study mapped the value structure of the islands residents, from which social indicators for the island were derived.

Path Analysis Using LISREL: Comparing Income Attainment of White and Black Men

The use of standardized regression coefficients makes the comparison of causal models difficult to perform. Using Duncans (1969) path model for white and black men, this article shows how one can use LISREL to analyze such models with unstandardized coefficients and compare them in terms of overall goodness offit, tests of differential specifications across groups, and assumptions of equality or inequality of corresponding regression coefficients. This article therefore demonstrates that researchers can use LISREL constructively, even if they do not wish to use all of LISRELs many statistical features.

Academic Vs Client Critique: a Response To Lipsey

Letters are selected for their pertinence to material published in Evaluation Practice or because they discuss issues or problems of general interest to practicing evaluators. Letters pertaining to material published in EP may criticize articles or reports; correct errors; Provide support or agreement; or offer different points of view, clarifications, or additional information. Depending on the nature of the discussion, authors of articles in question may be given an opportunity to reply in the same issue. Letters accepted for publication may be edited and shortened.

Estimating Industrial Customer Response To Load Management Operations

This article highlights the 1984 analysis results of the Large Industrial Interruptible/ Cur tailment project, a load management program operated by Pacific Gas and Electric Company. The project and its operating principles are described and a method for estimation of the demand reductions is presented. After the results of the seven operations that took place during peak demand days in 1984 are summarized, the efficiency of customer performance is evaluated by comparing the magnitude of the demand relief received to the amount expected. The article concludes with a discussion of some design implications of similar efforts.