Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Engineering Technology and Behavior Analysis For Interdisciplinary Environmental Protection

  • Published:
The Behavior Analyst Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Engineering strategies for saving environmental resources have been widespread. However, many of those engineering advances have not been widely accepted nor generally applied by large segments of the general population. This paper considers the need to examine behavioral/environmental variables in the application of engineering technology, with particular reference to specific behavioral strategies for encouraging the use of engineering technology from an interdisciplinary perspective. A model for the study of factors contributing to the solution of ecological/environmental problems is presented and examples of interdisciplinary research are described. The model implies a need for the examination of the effects of antecedent and consequent manipulation of a variety of variables including: behavioral, physiological, environmental, technical and legal conditions. It is concluded that while interdisciplinary research efforts between engineering technologists and behavioral analysts are necessary, they have not received sufficient attention in the literature nor have they focused on the comprehensive study of antecedents and consequences as they relate to ecological/environmental problems. Thus, an extended “family” of research efforts is important for the success of these efforts.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Darley, J. M. Energy conservation techniques as innovations and their diffusion. Energy and Buildings, 1977–78, 1, 339–343.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Geller, E. S. Saving environmental resources through waste reduction and recycling: How the behavioral community psychologist can help. To appear in G. L. Martin and J. G. Osborne (Eds.), Helping in the Community: Behavior Applications, New York: Plenum Press, in press.

  • Kehoe, J. F., and Geller, E. S. An evaluation of the 1978–1979 Virginia Division of Energy Home Energy Package Distribution Program. Final Report for Grant #8480301 from the Virginia Office of Emergency and Energy Services, February 1980.

  • The Davis Experiment: One City’s Plan to Save Energy, Ridgeway, J. (Ed.), Public Resource Center, 1977. (Available from The Elements, Public Resource Center, Washington, D.C.).

    Google Scholar 

  • Winett, R. A., and Neale, M. S. Psychological framework for energy conservation in buildings: Strategies, outcomes, direction. Energy and Buildings, 1979, 2, 101–116.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA

    Richard P. Johnson & E. Scott Geller

Authors
  1. Richard P. Johnson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. E. Scott Geller
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Johnson, R.P., Geller, E.S. Engineering Technology and Behavior Analysis For Interdisciplinary Environmental Protection. BEHAV ANALYST 3, 23–29 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03392375

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03392375

Search

Navigation