A Comparative Study of Attitude Theory and other Theoretical Models for Understanding Travel Behaviour

Martin Dijst, Sendy Farag and Tim Schwanen
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Martin Dijst: Urban and Regional Research Centre Utrecht (URU), Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, PO Box 80.115, 3508 TC Utrecht, The Netherlands
Sendy Farag: Centre for Transport and Society (CTS), Faculty of the Built Environment, University of the West of England, Frenchay Campus, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol BS16 1QY, England
Tim Schwanen: Urban and Regional Research Centre Utrecht (URU), Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, PO Box 80.115, 3508 TC Utrecht, The Netherlands

Environment and Planning A, 2008, vol. 40, issue 4, 831-847

Abstract: 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 socio-demographics) 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.

Date: 2008
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:envira:v:40:y:2008:i:4:p:831-847

DOI: 10.1068/a39151

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