Browsing by Author "Mitchell, Glen H."
Now showing 1 - 20 of 24
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- Barriers and incentives to the adoption of innovative, energy- efficient housing: passive and active solar and earth shelteredConway, Rochelle (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1988)The purpose of this study was to determine intermediaries’ perceptions of barriers and incentives to innovative, energy efficient housing in Iowa. Data was collected by two surveys. The questionnaire for the first survey collected data from 102 communities in Iowa. Respondents were asked to determine the number of building permits issued for all new single family dwellings between 1975 and 1985 as well as the number of permits issued that were for passive solar, active solar, or earth sheltered housing. A rate of adoption was calculated for each community. The second questionnaire surveyed housing intermediaries drawn from the 102 communities included in the first survey. The sample consisted of 481 builders, building inspectors, realtors, lenders, and solar suppliers. Intermediary groups differed in their perceptions of barriers and incentives to innovative, energy-efficient housing. Significant differences were found among the intermediaries for whether state mandated solar standards would reduce the risk of inspection of solar energy houses and whether risky resale potential acts as a barrier to building solar energy housing. The major barriers were the "first costs" associated with building active solar and earth sheltered housing and the lack of skills among subcontractors to build active solar and earth sheltered housing. There was no significant relationship between rate of adoption among communities and their location in the state. There was, however, a significant relationship between category of building official and rate of adoption among communities. Communities with a high rate of adoption did not cluster in any one quadrant of the state. Additional differences among intermediaries occurred between lenders who had financed innovative energy efficient housing and lenders who had not. Lenders who had not financed solar or earth sheltered housing perceived the barriers to be greater than those who had. There were fewer differences in perceptions among solar/earth sheltered builders and nonsolar/earth sheltered builders. In conclusion, variability in perceptions among intermediaries on the barriers and incentives to innovative, energy efficient housing impact on the rate of adoption in communities in Iowa.
- Books consumerists (and others) should know about : an annotated bibliographySharp, Bobby H.; Garman, E. Thomas; Mitchell, Glen H. (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Extension Division, 1980-03)An annotated listing of works of both specific and general topics that may be useful to professionals and lay persons seeking information on these topics.
- A checklist for combatting inflation/recessionMitchell, Glen H. (1980-08)A checklist of suggestions for combatting inflation and recession.
- Choosing a lawyerMitchell, Glen H.; Zalenski, Phyllis A., 1958- (Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, 1985-06)Provides basic information and a checklist on how to find a lawyer.
- Community consumer education awareness workshops: how to plan and conduct themParks, Robin B.; Mitchell, Glen H.; Arnold, Robert T. (1977-11)A guide to planning and conducting consumer education awareness workshops.
- Conducting the consumer survey--a primer for volunteers with special sections on interviewing and on telephone surveyingMitchell, Glen H.; Mitchell, Mark L. (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Extension Division, 1979-06)A basic primer on conducting consumer surveys.
- Consumer Education and Financial Management Conference : January 13-14, 1977, Blacksburg, VirginiaMitchell, Glen H.; Christie, Martha G. (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1977)
- Consumer preparedness, knowledge, and opinions about practices and regulations of the funeral industryKidd, Charlotte (Virginia Tech, 1979-04-05)The study was designed to ascertain the level of knowledge, opinions, and degree of preparedness of a group of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University faculty and staff concerning selected practices and regulations of the funeral industry. Questionnaires were returned by 226 respondents; this represented 75.00% of the sample. The Consumer Funeral Test was developed for this study and included a knowledge, opinion, and preparedness section. Mean achievement score on the knowledge section was 4.00, representing 57.10% correct. Kuder-Richardson formula twenty reliability estimate equaled 0.14; an expected low figure given the small number of questions (seven). The opinions expressed indicated that the respondents were "conventional" in their feelings; that is, there was a general tendency toward agreement with selected practices and regulations of the funeral industry, that was anticipated according to previous studies and responses by consumers. "Unconventional" would indicate a general tendency toward agreement with the status quo of selected practices and regulations of the funeral industry. The preparedness scores reported by respondents indicated that the greater majority are unprepared for their own funerals. Of the five preparedness questions asked, four received a negative response by 79.80% or more of the respondents. No statistically significant relationship existed between the knowledge, opinions, and preparedness scores. Also, age, education, income, sex, and religion were not related to the opinions and preparedness scores reported. However, a significant relationship existed between the knowledge of selected practices and regulations of the funeral industry and the age, education, and sex of the respondents. Those who were older scored higher; the males scored significantly higher than the females on the knowledge section; and those with more education scored higher.
- Consumer satisfaction with food marketing services: the effects of in-store information and education programsCarsky, Mary L. (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1985)The purposes of this study were to identify the relationship between the provision of consumer information programs and satisfaction with food marketing services and to assess the benefits of a program as they affect both consumer satisfaction and retail food store profits. A conceptual model which proposed a positive relationship between the provision of a consumer information program and increased product purchasing, increased satisfaction with the product, and increased satisfaction with the foodstore was developed for the study. The model was operationalized through the use of three indicators to measure each of the four constructs. A field test of the model was conducted at a warehouse foodstore in central Connecticut where an in-store information program had been implemented one year prior to this study. The program, which focused on meats, provided three modes of presentation. Response to the program was measured by interviewing 277 shoppers during October and November, 1984. Respondents were asked about their use of the information presented, attitude toward the program, and perception of its usefulness. The data collection instrument developed for this study was a two part questionnaire. The first part was self administered. Respondents were dueried on satisfaction with the meat department and with the store. Twenty-one attitude, interest, opinion items related to food shopping and meal preparation were included in this section. The second part was an interview questionnaire which was utilized to ‘ obtain information on shoppers response to the information program, shopping habits, and demographic characteristics. The sample was found to be representative of warehouse foodstore shoppers. The average household size was four persons, and the average food budget was $100.00 per week. Twenty-nine percent spent less than 50% of their meat budget at the store, but only 11% purchased less than 50% of their groceries (excluding meat) at this store. Shoppers who responded positively toward the information program purchased more meat, and were more satisfied with the meat department and with the store. The conceptual model was able to explain positive response as measured by use, attitude, and perception of usefulness of the program in terms of these outcomes. The model was unable to explain negative response to the program. Further analyses of the data resulted in the addition of two antecedent variables to the model. Those who were not predisposed to information seeking and had never enrolled in a consumer education course were likely to be nonusers of the information program.
- Deciding whether to organize a food buying club?Grantham, Marilyn H.; Long, Don L.; Mitchell, Glen H. (Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, 1983-07)A food buying club is one way people can save money on food. This publication provides information on organizing a food club.
- Do you know your consumer rights?Mitchell, Glen H. (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Extension Division, 1978-03)A true or false questionnaire to help stimulate further exploration of consumer protection rights.
- Do you know your consumer rights?Mitchell, Glen H. (Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, 1984-07)A true or false questionnaire to help stimulate further exploration of consumer protection rights.
- The Effect of Current and Perceived Economic Conditions on Consumer Apparel Purchase ExpendituresWoods, Adria M. (Virginia Tech, 2005-05-13)Consumer spending accounts for over sixty-five percent of the Gross Domestic Product in the United States, greatly affecting the economy, as well as the retail sector. The consumer, rather than business or government, has become the dominant factor in shaping the course of the aggregate U.S. economy (Curtin, 1982). The purpose of this study is to examine whether the economy, as perceived by consumers, has any effect on the apparel purchase expenditures of consumers, and if so, how personal factors such as gender, age, income, educational attainment, race, and marital status contribute to their perceptions and decisions. A research model was created using consumers' current economic perceptions, future economic perceptions, and importance of fashion as predictors of apparel expenditures. Demographic variables were included to see if demographics had any significant influence on current and future perceptions, importance of fashion, and/or apparel expenditures. Data for this study was obtained by administering a paper and internet survey to 166 consumers in the stratified market of Roanoke, VA. One-way ANOVA analysis findings indicate that age had an influence on consumers' future economic expenditures. Age and education had an influence on consumers' importance of fashion, while marital status had an influence on apparel expenditures. Regression analysis indicated that consumers' perceptions of current and future economic conditions and importance of fashion were significant predictors of consumers' apparel expenditures. Recommendations include collecting real expenditure amounts, comparing perceived economic conditions data to real economic indicators, and comparing Consumer Expenditure Survey data with real economic indicators.
- Energy-efficient housing alternatives: a predictive model of factors affecting household perceptionsSchreckengost, Renee (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1985)The major purpose of this investigation was to assess the impact of household socio-economic factors, dwelling characteristics, energy conservation behavior, and energy attitude on the perceptions of energy-efficient housing alternatives. Perceptions of passive solar, active solar, earth- sheltered, and retrofitted housing were examined. Data used were from the Southern Regional Research Project, S-141, "Housing for Low and Moderate Income Families." Responses from 1804 households living in seven southern states were analyzed. A conceptual model was proposed to test the hypothesized relationships which were examined by path analysis. Perceptions of energy-efficient housing alternatives were found to be a function of selected household and dwelling characteristics, energy attitude; household economic factors, and household conservation behavior. Age and education of the respondent, family size, housing-income ratio, utility-income ratio, energy attitude, and size of the dwelling unit were found to have direct and indirect effects on perceptions of energy-efficient housing alternatives. Energy conservation behavior made a significant direct impact with behavioral energy conservation changes having the most profound influence. Conservation behavior was influenced by selected household and dwelling characteristics, energy attitude, and household economic factors. Significant effects were found between conservation efforts and age, size, and condition of the housing unit, age and education of respondent, family size, and energy attitude. Household economic factors were directly affected by selected household and dwelling characteristics. Age and education of respondent and age and condition of dwelling had significant effects on the proportion of monthly income spent for housing and utilities.
- Financial management practices of married single earner and dual earner families in DelawareVan Name, Judith A. (Virginia Tech, 1991)The major purpose of this study was to investigate how single earner and dual earner families in Delaware manage their family finances and what factors influence satisfaction with their financial management. This study was also designed to assess the impact of perceptions of income adequacy on satisfaction with financial management practices. The subsamples of married single earner and dual earner families were obtained from the larger study on Interactive Planning for Family Futures. This project was partially funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging and the University of Delaware. The survey was conducted in 1988 by telephone interview in the state of Delaware. Subsamples of 121 dual earner families and 69 single earner families were drawn from a random statewide sample of 306 families in Delaware. The subsamples were limited to married couples where one or both spouses were gainfully employed either full-time or part-time. Analysis of data included use of frequencies, t-tests, chi square, two-way and three-way analyses of variance. Demographically the subsamples were predominantly white, and 70% of the respondents were female. Dual earner families had more education, higher occupational status and higher average incomes than single earner families. The average income range for the study was $30,000-39,999 for single earner families and $40,000-49,999 for dual earner families. Results of the study indicated that dual earner families were more interested in planning for the future than single earner families, and respondents in dual earner families were especially interested in retirement planning. Goal setting was a common practice among both single and dual earner families. A similar proportion (16%) of one and two earner families were concerned about how they would handle a $1,000 crisis. Differences were found in credit use and savings and investment practices of one and two earner families. Dual earner families are more likely to share money management decisions than single earner families. A satisfaction index was created by summing satisfaction scores for standard of living, amount of savings, amount of investments, ability to pay debt and achievement of goals. Respondents were more Satisfied with their standard of living and less satisfied with their savings and investments. Sociodemographic variables significantly related to satisfaction with financial management included age, spouse’s education, respondent’s occupation, and family income. Perceptions of income adequacy were significantly related to satisfaction with financial management for married single earner and dual earner families. Financial management practices significantly related to satisfaction with financial management were amount of debt, amount of savings and investments, money management activities and satisfaction with the decision making process. While it may appear from the data that dual earner families were less satisfied with their financial management, they were more interested and involved in their family’s financial well-being.
- How to buy medigap insuranceMitchell, Glen H.; Zalenski, Phyllis A., 1958- (Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, 1987-09)Designed to help those over age 65 to look at the problem of gaps between medical costs and the reimbursements available under Medicare.
- Inflation, recession, and economic change : how some Virginia households adjustedMitchell, Glen H.; Zalenski, Phyllis A., 1958- (Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, 1985-08)A publication prepared for home economics extension agents and other leaders who work with typical households.
- A list of sources of audio-visual materials in consumer educationForgue, Raymond E.; Mitchell, Glen H. (1980-04)A list of sources of AV materials in consumer education.
- Microwave usage patterns among college students at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityCarpenter, Shelley A. (Virginia Tech, 1988-02-16)To determine microwave usage patterns, a telephone survey was administered to 300 college students living off campus. The objectives of the study were to determine: a) incidence of ownership, b) characteristics of students who have a microwave oven and those that do not, c) patterns of use of microwave ovens, and d) characteristics of the present microwave oven and one desired in the future. Rogers’ Adoption Process was used as the model to determine that each owner had adopted the appliance into their lifestyle. The adoption stage was divided into three use levels: primary appliance used for cooking, appliance used as a supplement to the ranges and appliance used infrequently. It was found that 192 (64%) of the 300 participants had a microwave oven in there household and 237 (79%) would make a purchase of an appliance in the future. The microwave ovens that are currently owned have an average of 4.2 features including a minute timer, variable power, automatic defrost, and touch controls. Students who would purchase a microwave in the future desired an average of 7.2 features, minute timer, variable power, automatic defrost, touch controls, clock, and delay start. The tasks that are currently being performed in the microwave were divided into low, medium, and high complexity. Students using their microwaves more than their range prepare the most medium and low complexity foods, while owners who use their microwave as a supplement to their range prepare the greatest number of high complexity foods. Participants in all levels of adoption were satisfied with foods prepared in the microwave most of the time. Information from this study would be relevant to microwave manufacturers, residential property development corporations, and designers of food products and container.
- Present use and future needs of selected Virginia home computer ownersCarter, Mary C. (Virginia Tech, 1985-06-20)The study was designed to identify how home computers were being used by 200 selected home computer owners living in Richmond, Virginia. The 1984 study identified the expressed problems these owners experienced using home computers and determined what changes or information the owners believed were needed to use the computer more effectively. The most commonly used home computer applications were personal word processing, entertainment, and work related word processing. Many home computer owners indicated that no factor had prevented them from using their computer. Those indicating that some factor had prevented their use, reported the high cost of software, the lack of useful software, and unclear or incorrect instructions presented problems. Males were much more likely than females to be the principal computer user. Consistent with Rogers (1983) diffusion theory, most computer owners did use personal sources during their prepurchase information search. Statistically significant differences existed between the owners satisfaction with hardware and the number of products and services used and between overall satisfaction and the amount spent on software. Significant inverse relationships indicated that those respondents who spent less on hardware and had less random access memory had higher levels of overall satisfaction than those who spent more on hardware and had more random access memory. Recommendations included methods of individualizing service and assistance for owners after the purchase.