Informatics Solution Proposal: Problem Identificatio Essay

It is no surprise that customer satisfaction is the primary focus for successful delivery of healthcare. The health care industry is booming with technological trends and consumer empowerment is evident. Patients are able to shop around for the best health care available at the right cost, forcing facilities to upgrade to the latest technology in order to compete. The problem is patients often get confused keeping up with different providers and different facilities. On top of that are expected to remember their medications and complete health history, along with diagnosis, different exams and lab testing. Health care costs are on the rise because of repeat tests and data is lost in the shuffle. Our goal is to find a technical solution providing patients with an easily accessible, comprehensive overview of their entire health history. The patient deserves access to their health records, health education at their fingertips, and most of an organized system to provide the best health c are possible. Our best solution is the personal health records category. Personal health information can be easily accessed online wherever internet is provided. There can be one or multiple databases that safely stores their information and with easy access, patients won’t feel so frustrated having to wait for a healthcare worker. Another rationale is that personal health record systems can offer multiple functions for the patients, such as paying their medical bills, renewing their medications, and more. Designing the appropriate PHR system can provide an endless amount of functions to help meet patients’ needs. Finally, a PHR can save patients and providers both time and money. PHR systems can decrease the labor needed to provide patients with information while still maintaining effective communication between providers and patients (Kaelber & Pan, 2008). Some ethical issues to consider would be protecting patient privacy. Information entered into the  iPad, even something such as calling the front desk, must go through a server (or a third party). This may compromise privacy. It could end up in the iCloud, or even be hacked. Visitors in the room may see sensitive information. Additionally, expecting an older population to use an iPad could be seen as discriminatory According to Hebda, and Czar (2013), legal issues for interactive applications of consumer health information involving PHI include protecting privacy and security of PHI. Many consumer health web sites are lack ing in protection of healthcare information. Some issues included lack of anonymity, poor protection for privacy policies and health information as well as inadequate privacy policies. Special attention will have to be made to adhere to the HON code of conduct for protecting users with the implementation of interactive health care technologies. As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Congress directed the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to rule on the use of electronic health information and the devices and systems used to access this information. The final ruling requires vendors of PHR’s and related services to notify the FTC, potential involved consumers, and associated services providers of any breach in security as this information is now to be covered by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) (FTC, 2009). This ruling also provides for consultation on potential privacy and security breaches between the FTC and the Department of Health and Human Services (FTC, 2009). Project Overview: The purpose of the Informatics Solution Proposal is to promote nursing students’ comfort and knowledge with informatics and technology products for the health care workplace setting. Students review the functionality of various products and select one that best meets the needs of a health care setting. Learning Teams collaborate to identify a clinical or administrative issue and propose an informatics solution. Each week, Learning Teams work on an element of this project. In Week Five, teams compile their work into a proposal appropriate for the directors of a health care organization. Project Elements: Week Two: Problem Identification Collaborate with your Learning Team to identify an issue in a health care workplace that could be resolved by implementing an informatics or technology solution. The issue could be an administrative issue or a clinical issue. Draft a letter or memo to a nursing administrator informing her or him of the clinical or administrative problem, why it is a concern, and a request for permission to propose a solution. Support your letter with at least three peer-reviewed resources. Format the letter consistent with APA guidelines for formal business correspondence. Provide an APA-formatted reference page for all resources used. Note. Do not send the letter. Week Three: General Solution Collaborate with your Learning Team to determine a category of informatics or technology that could be implemented to solve the clinical or administrative issue. Compose a 350- to 500-word summary of the benefits of selecting a product from this category of technology or informatics system. Address the following: Identify a category of informatics or technology solution that may be appropriate for the identified workplace. Note. Select a category of solution but not a specific product. Provide rationale for why this category of solution may help address the clinical or administrative problem. Describe regulatory, legal, or ethical issues this category of solution may cause or resolve. Include a minimum of three peer-reviewed references, and develop an APA-formatted reference page. Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. Week Four: Areas of Evaluation Select two products from the category that your Learning Team identified in Week Three. For example, if you selected the category of EHRs, then identify two specific EHR products. Describe a minimum of five criteria with which to evaluate the functionality of the two products. Ease of use Clarity Time Select two or more additional features to evaluate. Include a minimum of three references. References may include product websites or other reputable sources in addition to peer-reviewed resources. Faculty approval is required for sources other than peer-reviewed resources. Provide an APA-formatted reference page for all resources used. Week Five: Specific Solution Proposal Develop a proposal in which you evaluate two specific products from the general category previously selected. The goal is to persuade the directors of the health care workplace to implement your chosen informatics solution. Address the following details: Brief description of the administrative or clinical issue Concise overview of the two products (include evaluation of all relevant features of each product) Clear explanation of why one product is chosen for implementation (not both) Two suggestions of how the chosen product could be implemented Two suggestions for how the chosen product would be evaluated after implementation (one qualitative and one quantitative) Identify a future trend in this area Develop a presentation using one of the following formats: Microsoft ® PowerPoint ® Presentation including 15–20 slides and speaker’s notes Oral presentation including appropriate visual aid (for example, a handout or brochure) Prezi ® Presentation Another format approved by your facilitator Include a minimum of seven peer-reviewed references, and develop an APA-formatted reference page. Format your proposal and reference page consistent with APA guidelines. References Federal Trade Commission. (August 17, 2009). FTC Issues Final Breach Notification Rule for Electronic Health Information. Retrieved from http://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2009/08/ftc-issues-final-breach-notification-rule-electronic-health Hebda, T., & Czar, P. (2013). Handbook of informatics for nurses & healthcare professionals (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. Kaelber, D. & Pan, E.C. (2008). The value of personal health record (PHR) systems. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2655982/. Informatics Solution Proposal Overview

Caravaggio’s The Denial of St. Peter

Caravaggios The Denial of St. Peter   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In approximately 1610, Michelangelo Merisi, referred to today as Caravaggio by virtue of his hometown, painted his The Denial of Saint Peter, an oil-on-canvas depiction of St. Peter’s renunciation of Jesus and disavowal that he was a disciple of Christ. Though it passed through the hands of several cardinals over the centuries,[1] the work itself was not commissioned by any religious authority, and was entirely conceived by Caravaggio. It currently is on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The most important aspect of the work stems from its era: Caravaggio painted in the early Baroque period, a time in art largely focused on emotion, drama, and realism in the portrayal of humanity, as opposed to the idealized, somewhat emotionless scenes of the Renaissance.[2] The Denial of Saint Peter is a prime example of this trend, for, as opposed to depicting idealized human forms in a heavily structured and adorned setting, it portrays jus t three figures, all of whom are imperfect, human, and express clearly visible emotion. While Caravaggio’s subject matter is far from unique, his distinctive approach toward its illustration is revolutionary with respect to earlier Renaissance art; of course, it resembles other works from the Baroque period, which Caravaggio himself helps to usher in. The drama and emotional anguish of Caravaggio’s work is apparent even upon first glance. Upon examining the figures in the work, we see that Saint Peter is far from flawless and virtuous; instead, he is easily intimidated by a soldier as he frantically distances himself from Christ, pointing at himself incredulously as if to appear utterly surprised at the notion that he is somehow associated with Jesus. Peter lacks the saintly character attributed to Biblical figures in earlier works, for he has deeply furrowed brows and looks pale and sickly in the harsh light shining on him-in fact, he more closely resembles a cowardly man eager to appear common and nondescript. The woman and the soldier have powerful emotional elements in their depictions as well-the soldier appears threatening, seemingly warning Peter of the consequences of allying with Christ, while the woman bears a stern expression that signals her certainty of Peter’s solidarity with Jesus. Finally, the sheer size of the figures is noteworthy, for it places all emphasis on them and on no other point in the painting. Caravaggio’s stylistic effects, in addition to the figures’ expressions, also lend the painting a dramatic air. The first and most obvious such technique is his use of lighting: specifically, the work has extreme contrasts between light and dark, which, due to their harsh appearance, convey an almost theatrical impression to the viewer. In fact, Peter’s head is fully and strongly illuminated, while the soldier’s visage, though just opposite his, is barely visible; the woman’s face, furth ermore, is alternately obscured and lit-with little or no attempt to mediate the two extremes. This consistent use of dramatic lighting, which in this case radiates only from the left of the painting, is termed â€Å"chiaroscuro†; in fact, Caravaggio used it so often that his version of the technique is labeled â€Å"tenebrism.†[3] The effect that these techniques have on a work is profound, for they create a powerful sense of tension in the piece because of their stark, almost jarring appearance. In The Denial of St. Peter, this effect is quite noticeable, for by illuminating Peter, but not the soldier, the sense that Peter is being interrogated and pressured becomes heightened; it is almost as if a spotlight is on him, coercing him into giving a reply.

Jorge Luis Borges and hes great love for Argentina Essay

Jorge Luis Borges and hes great love for Argentina - Essay Example The brilliance of Jorge Luis Borges the author came into existence as a result of a number of factors, including his genealogy, his early life experiences, his exposure to Spanish and English at a very young age, his family’s trips to Europe and most importantly, his paternal grandmother. All these things served to shape the man who, with his erudite creativity, created masterpieces which, till date, are read and praised by people all over the world. Although he wrote and compiled numerous short stories and poems, and received accolades for his prose, Borges started off his literary career with a collection of poems titles Fervor de Buenos Aires. The collection, literally translated to mean Passion for Buenos Aires, is an acute reflection of the love and sentiment the poet has for his homeland. The work was not only significant in its content, but had great emotional value for Borges too. In his autobiographical essay, Borges claimed that throughout his literary career, he fel t he had never moved beyond his first creation. In his own words, â€Å"I feel that all my subsequent writing has only developed themes first taken up there; I feel that all during my lifetime I have been rewriting that one book.† (Lovecraft, 199) These words aptly reveal the impact the work had on Borges. Through the analysis of Fervor de Buenos Aires, the love of Jorge Luis Borges for his country Argentina can be discovered in greater insight. Borges deep attachment to his country can be explained in the events that preceded the publishing of Fervor de Buenos Aires. Born in Buenos Aires, he was raised in a suburban district located on the outskirts of Buenos Aires. He grew up in a household that was unique for the time – both English and Spanish were spoken fluently in the family. His father had a sprawling library of English books, and Borges had read great English literary masterpieces at a very young age. As a young boy, he was not

Health Promotion - Appraoches and Methods Assignment

Health Promotion - Appraoches and Methods - Assignment Example This paper examines the factors, the causes, indications of drug abuse and its implication on society. Furthermore, we will focus on health promotion project that will give in an insight of drug abuse program and strategic analysis towards its preventative measures. Significance of this Study It has been seen that there is a tremendous use of drugs among young adolescents and teenagers between 11 years to 24 years of age (Blum, 2011). This study is significant as it addresses the social issues which influences youth towards drug use. There have been many arguments between people as some relate drug abuse as a genetic or biological malfunction or some argue that it is a personal choice of the individual to what he indulges into (Li, Mao, & Wei (2008); Abadinsky (2010)). However, in most cases friends who are already drug users influence young kids. There is peer pressure, and they would rather fit in their group and not be called as ‘outcasts.’ These groups may also be as sociated with criminal groups or activities. Research also indicates that the use of illicit drugs has become a part of the lifestyle and taken as a pleasurable experience (Hammersley, Marsland, & Reid, 2003). Teenagers indulge in these activities as they may suffer from depression due to unemployment, low quality housing and may feel deprived of physical or emotional insecurity of their wellbeing (Wilkinson & Marmot, 2003). In other cases, some young adults are rebellious or just naturally curious and want to experiment into drugs without knowing the consequences of it. It has been seen that young adults may seek drugs as a defense mechanism against any trauma or tragic incident they have gone through in their life (?aminer & Bukstein, 2008). There are other factors due to which young adults are prone towards drugs like the easy availability and low cost of the drugs, which increases the risk of drug and substance abuse. Besides this, advertisements of pain relieving drugs also aff ect young kids and their thought process (Sussman & Susan, 2008). Hence, examining all these factors we can say that it is necessary to initiate such programs and campaigns through which the younger generation are made aware of the physical and psychological changes when they are exposed to prolonged drug abuse and its aftermath on the society. There are many behavioral problems associated with prolonged drug abuse. It gives rise to domestic and child abuse, hallucinations and impaired judgment. It has also been seen that the drug use has given rise to increase in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in youth as they do not take precautions when they are on drugs (Hammersley, Marsland, & Reid, 2003). Persons are also more inclined towards homicidal activities with suicidal tendencies as well (Marvin, Sharon, & Thomas, 1979) Drug Abuse Project The main purpose of a drug abuse project will be examining all these elements, how drug abuse originates and also define moral and ethical val ues in youngsters specially teenagers to instill healthy lifestyle in their life. In order to rebuke this system where drugs are easily available it is necessary to have such social and cultural settings that encourage positive approach towards life and the prescription of drugs is made limited as most youth perceive them safer than common street drugs. One of the important features of this report is to project these issues through media to affected persons as well

Article summary Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

Summary - Article Example Meanwhile U.S intelligence had been watching Libya for months but no one was able to give warnings of the Benghazi attacks, as disclosed by another U.S official under condition of anonymity because they are not allowed to talk about intelligence matters in public. However in terms of spies on the ground U.S army has kept surveillance over Libya since ages, these spies are intermixed with the locals and they do not carry arms and ammunition and their names are even not disclosed. Furthermore to increase the area they cover, the frequent use of drone technology is put to practice, one official said. Moreover intelligence which is gathered from the air by using drone also requires confirmation from the sources or spies on the grounds in order to attack or to go after for targets. So therefore need of more spies is somehow justified by U.S officials in this way. Likewise since Libya is in a re-developmental phase so there is confusion and competitiveness likely to present amongst the different political and religious parties, furthermore â€Å"The Libyans in just about every endeavor are just learning to walk, let alone run," said by Paul Pillar (Dozier, 2012). Dozier, K. (15 Sep. 2012). ‘U.S. Scrambles to rush spies drones to Libya.’ USA Today. Retrieved September 15, 2012, from Harding, L., and Stephen, C. (12 Sep. 2012). ‘Chris Stevens, US ambassador to Libya, killed in Benghazi attack.’ The Guardian. Retrieved September 15, 2012, from

Impacts of the metropolitan person of the rise of the post-modern Essay

Impacts of the metropolitan person of the rise of the post-modern urban condition - Essay Example Within the US, a range of regional planning processes have designed place-type models to help the public and policy makers during the patterning of redevelopment and urban expansion. These model place-types will ordinarily indicate the land use mixtures and the densities, and in some cases, street patterning and building forms. Through the proposals, decision-makers can estimate the environmental and transportation impacts of optional area place-type blends, using I-PLACE3S and GIS-based software. However, irrespective of new attention to large-scale urban design, some suburbanization histories and the classic examination of urban forms throughout history; the developments of urban expansion for cities in North America have not been charted out in a systematic way. This report will detail a study of the evolution of spatial developments across the Sacramento urban area, using GIS (Geographic Information Systems) software to map the growth and the changes that came with the growth. Ad ditional research from secondary sources will offer more information on the history of the urban area and the triggers of growth. The report aims to provide the morphological growth of the region, pointing out the full range of constructed landscapes created through its history, which will help in the management of urban growth. Related Literature The commonly available historical accounts of suburbanisation and urbanisation tend to emphasize the general aspects of growth, and the forces triggering urban development, compared to giving information on the systematic growth of urban forms. Most times, these accounts depict an impressive history, and may assume a normative outlook; Mumford’s â€Å"the City in History† of 1961 is among the iconic examples of both areas. The main focus of these accounts includes financial, cultural and the institutional factors that trigger growth. Others like Hall (2002) focus on the planning ideas and the visions of urban areas. Additiona lly, some scholars emphasize the urban histories of the urban areas, and many others have reviewed the historical account of certain cities (Abbott, 2008). Although, many of the works mentioned before focus on demographic, sociological and cultural change, some iconic planners, geographers and historians have directed more attention towards form. Through the analysis of official maps and designs, which are supported by other sources of graphic evidence, the information is used to offer information on the changes that have taken place in economic needs, cultural values and governmental purposes. Other accounts like Kostof (1992) focuses particular features of design of the city, throughout history, emphasizing on the reflection of purpose and meaning from patterns. Lynch (1981) pointed out the significance of different spatial aspects of a city, including edges, paths, nodes, districts, and grain, going further to explore the ways in which they affect the lives and the experiences of visitors and the residents of the region. Vance (1990) reviewed function and form in urban settlements in human history, directing special attention towards the stages of development, the location of cities and their connectivity – with reference to transportation and trade. Recent literature has been highly systematic in analyzing form, by developing models of form at

Trojan War Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Trojan War - Research Paper Example Primarily based on Homer’s epic poems Iliad and Odyssey, the Trojan War enjoys the status of one of the greatest incidents of ancient Greek mythology leading to chaos and bloodshed eventually. The epics also demonstrate The war also submits to narrate the ambitious nature and disposition of the ancient era people, who used to spend several decades in wars and hostilities on minor issues and trivial matters, which could easily be solved through negotiations. Started with the abduction of the Greek queen Helen, the war ended in the victory of the Greeks and destruction and ruination of Troy, where both the sides had to wash their hands of the splendid warriors and bravest men in the history of civilizations at large, tombs of whom are viewed to be the Trojan coast of cremations. Homer’s Iliad declares the rivalry among the three Greek goddesses including Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite over the Apple of Discord thrown by the goddess Eris for the fairest of the goddesses. Sinc e all the three claimed themselves to be the fairest one, Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite sought the judgment from King Zeus with regards to declaring the most beautiful one among the three. Since Zeus would not hurt any of the goddesses, he bestowed the power of announcing judgment to Paris, a local shepherd. Paris was actually the son of Trojan royal couple King Priam and Queen Hecuba, who had thrown the infant Paris in the wilderness because of the prophecy that the child, on growing young, would bring ruination to Troy.... Paris, according to the sources, was actually the son of Trojan royal couple King Priam and Queen Hecuba, who had thrown the infant Paris in the wilderness because of the prophecy that the child, on growing young, would bring ruination to Troy.10 Somehow, Paris’s extraordinary intelligence, comeliness and bravery had won Zeus’s favors, who had appointed him judge in order to decide the name of the most beautiful goddess of Greece. Since Aphrodite had revealed her complete body and stood naked before Paris, she was declared to be the most beautiful goddess. Aphrodite sought no bounds of joy, and in return provided Paris with all the information about Helen of Sparta, the most beautiful lady on the face of the earth. Immediately after obtaining information regarding Helen, Paris set out to discover the outstanding beauty, and fell in love with Helen. On receiving the powerful response from Helen, they planned to move to Troy for good. Helen’s elopement infuriated M enelaus, who called all the former suitors11 of Helen12 in Sparta, and sought their support in this matter. At first, the kings looked reluctant to participate in the war; somehow, on getting reminded of the pledge they were determined to wage war on the Trojans, who not only had abducted the spouse of Spartan King, but had also refused to return her to her consort. Out of sheer feelings of rage, the Greeks invaded Troy in order to take revenge of their humiliation from the Trojans eventually. Course of War: Since the Trojans had refused to return Helen to the Greeks through negotiation, they were certain regarding the fact that the war was evident and inevitable. Prince Hector had told his father i.e. King Priam about the prophecy of his triumph

Astronamy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Astronamy - Essay Example The scientific history of the West commenced around 600 BC, which coincided with the beginning of the Greek civilization (Lankford 425). Some of the eminent Greek astronomers are described in the sequel. Pythagoras of Samos, Ionia taught that any object, principle or idea in the universe was subject to quantification. This fundamental principle provided a concrete mathematical foundation for the fledgling science of astronomy. The Pythagoreans subscribed to the view that each of the planets was attached to a crystalline sphere that had the Earth as its centre. Pythagoras was the first to discover that the morning star and the evening star were the planet Venus (Lankford 425). Thereafter, Aristotle made a number of astronomical discoveries. For instance, he established that phases of the Moon were on account of different sunlit portions being visible in a month. It was his well founded contention that the Sun was a much greater distance than the Moon, from the Earth; because during a solar eclipse the Sun’s light was prevented from reaching the Earth by the intervening Moon (universe). The shadow of the Earth, which is seen on the Moon, during a lunar eclipse, led Aristotle to conclude that the Earth was spherical in shape. At such times, the Earth is interposed between the Sun and the Moon. On the other hand if the Earth had been a flat disk, then its shadow at the edge would have resembled a straight line. Another piece of evidence that he quoted in support of this theory was that after travelling a great distance south, sojourners were unable to see some of the stars that had been visible from Greece. On a flat earth, any person, irrespective of location would have seen the same stars. However, on a spherical Earth, the view from different latitudes, entails different angles; therefore, the stellar constellations viewed are different (universe). The astronomers had established that the Earth was a sphere – an oblate spheroid if one desires

Capabilities and Effects of Background Music Essay Example for Free

Capabilities and Effects of Background Music Essay Abstract Nonverbal communication speaks louder than verbal communication; therefore, nonverbal communication, such as background music, needs to be sensibly evaluated. As a form of nonverbal communication, background music is capable of influencing a target audience. In advertising, emotions can be shifted depending on the music being played in the background and the same feelings are then transferred to the product, providing a tremendous advantage in business (Dillman Carpentier, 2010). Music can change one’s mood; in the workplace, an improved mood allows employees to be more content and, overall, more productive. In addition, with the right musical selection, the music is able to increase the amount of information an individual is able to retain (Balch Lewis, 1996). Various aspects from several studies have been examined, demonstrating the power of background music and music in general. The Capabilities and Effects of Background Music Nonverbal communication may be unintentional and speakers may not be aware of their behaviors or it may be just the opposite (Troester Mester, 2007). However, background music is often carefully selected in order to aid in the desired goal, particularly in advertising (Dillman Carpentier, 2010; Kellaris, Cox, Cox, 1993). The goals of every businessperson may not be the same; yet, the capabilities and effects of music are rather consistent (Dillman Carpentier, 2010). Whether via television, radio, or in person, music is able to affect the moods of those in the audience (Knobloch, 2003). Music also has the ability to improve the performance of the task at hand of an individual (Fassbender, Richards, Bilgin, Thompson, Heiden, 2012). According to Balch and Lewis (1996), an increase in memory is also induced by music. In any aspect of business, the effects of music can be utilized and even increase efficiency and productivity. Mood Alteration One’s mood determines the way one thinks and acts and what is said (Knobloch, 2003; Hunter, Schellenberg, Schimmack, 2010). According to Hunter et al., â€Å"music is the language of emotions† (p. 47). The perception of music determines the emotion felt. The perception of happiness is more often transferred to feeling happy than the perception of sadness and feeling sad (Hunter, Schellenberg, Schimmack, 2010). Davies (2011) refers to the emotions of music as being contagious. When one is around people who are depressed, that person’s mood adjusts closer to those who are in the depressed state. Similarly, although a person may not actually be sad, a sad part in a movie can make that person feel sad; the same applies to music. Hearing music that sounds happy can make one feel happy and to the contrary. Davies models this as a cause and effect relationship. The music being heard is the cause and the effect is one’s reaction to the music. Whether the reaction is happy or sad is dependent upon the perception of the music to the listener. Sounds that reflect happiness include little amplitude variation, a vast pitch variety, and fast tempo (Hatfield, Cacioppo, Rapson, 1993). Therefore, when one hears these sounds of happy music, emotional contagion is invoked on the subject and causes that person to feel happy. In advertisements, music is selected as an enhancement but also to affect mood. It is a company’s goal to influence potential buyers by creating a positive attitude and feeling towards that company’s product. With a positive image in mind of a particular product, there is a greater likelihood that the consumer will purchase the product (Dillman Carpentier, 2010). An average of more than 9.5 hours of media is taken in by the average American on a daily basis; of those hours, 38% is dedicated to music – all of which affects mood in some way (Knobloch, 2003). In addition, according to Dillman Carpentier, 90% of commercials include music of some sort (2010). The preceding statistics show the value of music to consumers and therefore, reflect the importance music-induced moods have in marketing. Enhanced Performance Not only is music able to affect one’s mood but it is also capable of increasing the performance of an individual (North Hargreaves, 1999). According to Rauscher, Shaw, and Ky, the IQ scores of the participants of their study were highest when the participants were under the influence of music (1993). In the other two trials, the participants went through a relaxation process and sat in silence for 10 minutes; the scores were 2.95 and 3.56 points respectively lower (Rauscher, Shaw, Ky, 1993). Some teachers have started using music to increase the focus and efficiency of students. Relaxing music is played to keep the students’ minds from wandering and, instead, concentrated on the lesson. The relaxing music causes one’s brainwave frequencies to alter, entering the alpha state. The alpha state has been found to be the state where the best connection to one’s subconscious is made (Fassbender, Richards, Bilgin, Thompson, Heiden, 2012). Koenen’s and Restak’s (as cited in Fassbender et al., 2012) findings have both supported that music inhibits thought. Restak’s claim is based on a study conducted with surgeons as the participants. Due to differing parts of the brain being used for music and for physical tasks, the music doesn’t inhibit the task but keeps the other part of the brain occupied and, therefore, from becoming distracted (Fassbender et al., 2012). In another study, surgeons were asked to count backwards by various numbers under three different conditions and were monitored throughout their tasks. The different conditions were no music, music of personal preference, and experimenter-selected music. Each surgeon was individually tested and each surgeon’s blood pressure, pulse, timing, and accuracy were recorded. The results showed a significant difference among the three conditions and the areas being monitored. The surgeons’ blood pressures and pulses were at much higher levels when performing the tasks without music. The results of the tasks with the presence of music showed lower blood pressures and pulses but an increase in the speeds and accuracies of the surgeons. Of the two music conditions, the overall results of the surgeons were better when listening to music of their choice rather than the experimenter-selected music. The participants of the study are of a profession that undergoes much stress in the operating room; by listening to music of their choice, the effects of stress decrease and the quality of performances increase (Allen Blascovich, 1994). The studies of Dr. Adrian C. North provide several benefits of music for employers and employees. As previously mentioned, music can affect one’s mood. In the workplace, putting the employees in a better mood will increase their productivity by improving how well they interact with their fellow employees. It has been proven that one’s mood and helpfulness are directly related (North Hargreaves, 1999). Music has also been found to raise the employee morale, leading to a decrease in the number of absences (Furnham Bradley, 1997; North Hargreaves, 1999). The output per employee can also be increased in a work field involving repetitiveness. According to Johnson (2004), participants of his study (whose work was repetitive) matched the tempo of the music being played while working. Therefore, with the addition of music – causing a better mood, cooperation, and increased pace – the overall productivity and efficiency of the workforce can increase and, in turn, boost the company revenue. Music is a friend of labour for it lightens the task by refreshing the nerves and spirit of the worker – William Green ( quoted in Furnham Bradley, 1997) Increased Memory Although music and its relationship to human memory are still being researched, scientists do know that music affects several parts of the brain (Weir Nevins, 2010). Cognitive neuroscientist, Petr Janata, says, â€Å" It [music] calls back memories of a particular person or place, and you might all of a sudden see that person’s face in your mind’s eye† (Weir Nevins, 2010, p. 12). According to John Sweller, one must relate what is being learned to something that is already known (2003). Studies have proven the word-for-word is much higher when heard with music than when heard without music (Wallace, 1994). Wallace also suggests the musical accompaniment is used as a retrieval device or as an aid in the way the words are stored. The belief is that the music accents the words being spoken by acting as a cue when determining the number of syllables in a word and words in a verse (Wallace, 1994). It has also been shown that some memories are solely dependent on music being the trigger to recall them (Balch Lewis, 1996). In marketing and advertising, music plays a significant role on one’s memory. Most can probably identify the brand image, along with the melody, by simply reading, â€Å"five, five-dollar foot long† (Weir Nevins, 2010) due to the capability of music that allows one to recall melody and image from the text read (and the contrary) (Wallace, 1994). Pertaining to memory, music can also serve as an aid in health services (Simmons-Stern, Budson, Ally, 2010). According to a study by Simmons-Stern et al., patients with Alzheimer’s disease were able to recall more of the information they were given when it was sung rather than spoken. It is thought to be possible that these findings may aid in discovering a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease patients (Simmons-Stern et al., 2010). Conclusion There is no doubt music plays a role in everyone’s life in some way. The effects of music are nearly unavoidable due to the fact that music is incorporated into such a variety of activities and places and can cause differentiating feelings and results. Sad music can spread sadness (through emotional contagion) and infect the listener with that sadness, causing the listener’s mood to worsen. On the contrary, music is also able to make one feel happy (Davies, 2011). In the workplace, music is able to improve the mood of employees, motivate employees, and quicken the pace of the work being done (Furnham Bradley, 1997). By playing upbeat music where the work to be done is monotonous, the workers are less irritated and fall in rhythm with the beat of the music. A workforce that has a higher rate of productivity can ultimately benefit the company by increasing the profits (North Hargreaves, 1999). Music also accentuates words and increases the memorabilia of those words; this can be quite beneficial in advertisements (Weir Nevins, 2010). Another benefit music offers, with regards to memory, is as a possible treatment for patients with Alzheimer’s disease (Simmons-Stern, Budson, Ally, 2010). Regardless of being a form of nonverbal communication or where it may appear, music strongly affects human beings with its ample array of capabilities. References Allen, K. P., Blascovich, J. P. (1994). Effects of Music on Cardiovascular Reactivity Among Surgeons. Journal of The American Medical Association, 272(11), 882-884. Balch, W. R., Lewis, B. S. (1996). Music-Dependent Memory: The Roles of Tempo Change and Mood Mediation. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 22(6), 1354-1363. Davies, S. (2011). Infectious Music: Music-Listener Emotional Contagion. In A. Coplan, P. Goldie, Empathy: Philosophical and Psychological Perspectives. New York: Oxford University Press. Dillman Carpentier, F. R. (2010). Innovating Radio News: Effects of Background Music Complexity on Processing and Enjoyment. Journal of Radio Audio Media, 17(1), 63-81. Douglas Olsen, G. (1995). Creating the Contrast: The Influence of Silence and Background Music on Recall and Attribute Importance. Journal of Advertising, 59(4), 29-44. Fassbender, E., Richards, D., Bilgin, A., Thompson, W. F., Heiden, W. (2012). The Effects of Music on Memory f or Facts Learned in a Virtual Environment. Computers and Education, 58(1), 490-500. Furnham, A., Bradley, A. (1997). Music While You Work: The Differential Distraction of Background Music on the Cognitive Test Performance of Introverts and Extraverts. Applied Cognitive Psychology, 11, 445-455. Hatfield, E., Cacioppo, J. T., Rapson, R. L. (1993). Emotional Contagion. Current Directions in Psychological Sciences, 2(3), 96-99. Hunter, P. G., Schellenberg, E. G., Schimmack, U. (2010). Feelings and Perceptions of Happiness and Sadness Induced by Music: Similarities, Differences, and Mixed Emotions. Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts, 4(1), 47-56. Johnson, V. W. (2004). Effect of Musical Style on Spontaneous Exercise Performance. Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation, 24, 357. Kellaris, J. J., Cox, A. D., Cox, D. (1993, October). The Effect of Background Music on Ad Processing: A Contingency Explanation. Journal of Marketing, 57, 114-125. Knobloch, S. (2003, June). Mood Adjustment via Mass Communication. Journal of Communication, 53(2), 233-250. North, A. C., Hargreaves, D. J. (1999). Music and Driving Game Performance. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 40, 285-292. North, A. C., Hargreaves, D. J. (1999). Musical Tempo, Productivity, and Morale. Unpublished Manuscript. Rauscher, F. H., Shaw, G. L., Ky, K. N. (1993). Music and Spatial Task Performance. Nature, 365, 611. Simmons-Stern, N. R., Budson, A. E., Ally, B. A. (2010). Music as a Memory Enhancer in Patients with Alzheimers Disease. Neuropsychologia, 48, 3164-3167. Sweller, J. (2003). Evolution of Human Cognitive Architecture. San Diego: Academic Press. Troester, R., Mester, C. (2007). Chapter 7: Nonverbal Civility. In Civility in Business Professional Communication (pp. 87-105). Peter Lang Publishing, Inc. Wallace, W. T. (1994). Memory for Music: Effect of Melody on Recall of Text. Jornal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 20(6), 1471-1485. Weir, K., Nevins, D. (2010). Music and Your Mind. Current Health Kids, 34(1), p. 10.

Eco Friendly Product And Environmental Consciousness

Eco Friendly Product And Environmental Consciousness This chapter present the theoretical framework that the method and analysis is built on. This structure has been chosen in order to give the reader a chance to evaluate eco-friendly product and environmental consciousness from a broad set of principles, starting broad to get narrower. 2.1 Concept and Theory Eco-friendly products still have an impact on the environment, but the impact is greatly reduced when compared to traditionally produced products. However, there is some eco-friendly products may even have a positive benefit, depending on how the company does its business. Many such products are also designed at lifestyle changes which benefit the environment; so, even if the product itself is not totally neutral, consumers undertake the actions after buying the product are beneficial. For example, eco-friendly light bulbs require more energy and resources to make, but they save energy once they are installed in a home. This chapter will follow by a comprehensive analysis of the relevant literature; several choice variables that may affect consumers to purchase environmentally friendly products have been recognized. These factors can be classified into six categories: demographics, knowledge, values, attitudes, behavior, and psychological. Figure 1 is representing a theoretical framework for these factors. A review of the literature supporting the relationships posited in Figure 1 follows. Figure 1 2.1.1 Demographics Populations change over time, and companies must be aware of those changes. Demographics can be described as the numerical characteristics of human populations, such as age or income that used to distinguish markets. There are two reasons that had been used to describe demographic by a group of people; where demographics help define a market and studying demographics helps identify new opportunities. (Marshall, 2010) Although much research has been done on the demographic profiles of green consumers, findings are still relatively mixed with some demographic characteristics showing more consistent results than others. According to previous demographic profiling, ecologically friendly consumers generally fall into the category of education, age and income. Demographic profiles linked ecological consumers attitudes and behaviors to education (Micheal, Jasmin, and Guido, 2001). Based on Arbuthnot (1977), Schwartz and Miller (1991), Newell and Greens (1997) study, there have positive relationship between education and the behaviors of ecological consumers. The researchers can anticipate the prospect finding constantly, because most studies have found positive correlations between green consumers education and attitude and/or behavior. Ordinarily, the socially responsible consumers demographic profile is young and/or pre-middle age has been studies by several past researches (Anderson and Cunningham 1972; Weigel 1977; Roberts and Bacon 1997). However, the result is not really trusted by readers. There is no significant relationship between age and green attitudes and behavior (McEvoy, 1972). In others hand, Van Liere and Dunlaps (1981) study argued that the relationship between age and green sensitivity and behavior is important and negatively correlated. Roberts (1996b) argued that the relationship to be important and positively correlated. The previous studies on relationship between income and environmental concerns have been conflicting. There are correlated relationships between income and environmental attitudes and behavior (While Zimmer, 1994), In contrast, there is no significant relationship between income and environmental concerns have been study by Robert (1996b). According to Straughan and Roberts (1999), the researchers have found that using demographics alone to profile and segment green consumers is not helpful. Ability to predict socially responsible consumer behavior is lacking, and the researcher suggested that marketers have to recognize and integrate relevant attitudes and behaviors, individual characteristics, and buying intentions into their exploration (Robert, 1996a). Based on Suchard and Polonski (1991) study, ecologically conscious consumers attempt to protect the environment in different ways, thus, there are different categories of ecologically concerned consumers. Several researchers had studied ecological attitudes within a marketing perspective. According to Kinnear and Taylors (1973) study, the researchers related their Ecological Concern Index to consumer brand impression and found that ecological concern was predicted better by individually rather than by demographic variables (Kinnear , 1974). Similarly, discounted demographic characteristics as possible segmentation variables had been studies by Kassarjians (1971). Nevertheless, socio-psychological and demographic variables were very important and related to social responsibility (Anderson and Cunningham (1972). Van Liere and Dunlap (1980) study had been found as a comprehensive review of social and demographic correlates of environmental concern. According to Gatignon and Robertsons (1985) study, the researchers recommended that younger, better educated, and higher income consumers tend to accept market innovations more quickly. There are particular social-psychographic characteristics, like innovative predisposition, risk-taking attitude, and opinion leadership have also been shown to be related to new product adoption (Midgley and Dowling, 1978; Gatignon and Robertson, 1991; and Rogers, 1995). According to Ostlunds (1974) research, the researcher argued that the effect of demographics was relatively weak. Native consumer innovativeness and new product adoption were positively related in the software product category (Foxall, 1995); and Steenkamp and colleagues (1999) had failed to find a relationship between a value dimension and consumer innovativeness. A contingency model has been called by researchers to better explanation for new product adoption (Midgley and Dowling, 1978, 1993; and Mudd, 1990). Midgley and Dowling (1978) had argued that the basic idea of a contingency model is that to affect individual variables on new product adoption may depend upon other personal variables or situational variables. According to Midgley and Dowlings (1993) longitudinal study, the womens evening wear category supply good support for their contingency model, where the effect of predispositions on new product adoption varies due to the social interaction process. Demographic variables did not judicious the relationship between consumer predisposition and new product adoption behavior as the contingency approach hypothesized (Im, 2003). Demographic variables, most particularly (income, education, and age) are often tested in experimental research on new product adoption. Venkatraman and Price (1990), Midgley and Dowling (1993), and Im (2003) had argued that innovators tend to be younger and have higher levels of income and education. According to Gatignon and Robertsons (1985) study, there is true for high-involvement products such as consumer durables. Higher levels of education are evocative of open-mindedness and ability to process new information and higher income indicates greater financial ability to meet the expense of new products. Age can be analytical of risk-avoidance and conservativeness, and therefore can be negatively associated with innovativeness. The effect of consumption attitudes on new product adoption may be dependently on consumers demographic characteristics and come out with a contingency approach. Briefly, if consumers are young, well educated, and have a high income level, even consumers wi th more conventional consumption attitudes may adopt a variety of new products. 2.1.2 Consumers Knowledge There are some findings have been clashed by the way to judge how knowledge affects consumers ecological behaviors. Alba and Hutchinson (1987) had make a statement that knowledge is extensively relates to how consumers collect, group, and evaluate products, as well as being a principal predictor of environmentally friendly behavior (Vining and Ebreo 1990; Chan 1999). Knowledge can be said that it affects all stages of the decision making process, so that if have any wrong information can cause the consumers make a bad decision. As an example, most consumers are aware of the importance of reusable bag such as Im not a plastic bag , give consumers a way to heal the environment by not using the plastic bag which is harm to the environement (Crane 2000). Some people may perceive themselves as knowledgeable but when by actual measurement they are not. There is a pervasive human tendency to evaluate oneself as better than others or above average that have been study by Taylor and Brown (1988). Those people may actually be defectively educated and their purchase judgment or other actions may actually put into the problem rather than diminishing it. Measurement to weight broad levels of knowledge (not specific to making choices) and enclosed several ecological issues had been explored by previous research (Maloney and Ward, 1973; Maloney, Ward, and Braucht, 1975; Synodinos, 1990). But, Synodinos (1990) was argued that there is no important relationship between objective knowledge and the attitudinal behavioral dimensions that have been studied by Maloney, Ward, and Braucht (1975). Buenstorf and Codes (2008) had stated that complex processes of individual and social learning had shaped out consumers behaviour by this recent theorizing in evolutionary economics. This learning theory of consumption remains within the utilitarian custom of economics proposed that consumers capacity has been motivated by the acts of consumption to fulfil human wants. In this point of view, explicit knowledge on the characteristics of goods has been request by consumers, as well as on the connection between goods and the satisfaction of wants. Ecological want always become a question in case of sustainable consumption. It is a necessary that human need and an explicit knowledge on the causal link between the good and the satisfaction of the need for a thing to become a consumed good (Menger, 1950). According to Oltras study, it suggest that consumers should have a need or a want for ecological products, information on the environmental quality of goods and knowledge on the connectio n between these characteristics and the satisfaction of wants (Oltra, 2009). As a result, consumers knowledge and perceptions, useable information will play a vital characteristic in the creation of environmental preferences. 2.1.3 Values Behavior is influence by values (McCarty and Shrum 1994). Consumers can have the target of purchase ecologically product after they value protecting the environment. Consumers will make some classification of material difference when they buy an eco-product (Peattie, 2001). Wiener and Sukhdials (1990) study argued that the main cause of why consumers are not involved in ecologically favorable behavior is consumers perceived a very low level of self-involvement toward protection of the environment. To solve the problem, consumers environmental behavior should be motivated by highlight the importance of environmental issues. Therefore, marketers have an important role that they should communicate to the potential consumer that buying green products could have a large impact on the environment benefits (Laroche, Bergeron, and Barbaro-Forleo 2001). Individuals had been written themselves as the cognitive patterns by understand values in their environment by come out with a general denominator in social science. The most theoretical type of social cognitions helps to realize the interpersonal world by highlighting the importance of values for behavior. Values are used to select and justify actions and to criticize people, including the self, and events. Values are both self-centre and social-centre in the sense that they are at the crossroads between the individual and the society. Schwartz and Bilskys (1987) study have argued that values are concepts or beliefs about desirable end states or behaviors that excel in specific situations, where it is to guide the selection or evaluation of behavior and events, and ordered by relative meaning. There are three types of universal human requirement clarified as cognitive representations by the meaningful content of values. Kluckhohn (1951), Maslow (1959), and Rokeachs (1973) study the biologically based needs of the organism, social interactional claims for interpersonal coordination, and social institutional demands for group welfare and survival. Hofstede and Bond (1984), and Triandiss (1990) study the combination of both socially and personally interests on values. The theory of values has obtained attentions in cross-cultural social science research, and also in the area of consumer behavior and marketing. Values are adopted to be shared, as a minimum by people within a culture, thats why it used to describe the psychological comparability within and the differences across cultures. Analyze cross-cultural differences in existing behaviors are helped by investigate cross-cultural similarities and differences in values. Cultural differences in specific behaviors is more easily be interpret by point out the more abstract level of consumers cognitive hierarchy. According to Schwartzs (1992) study, values have clarifying power for a specific aspect of consumer attitudes, where namely environmental concern. An indirect approach has been choose to judge the potential values where it is to forecast behavior by testing the strength of relationship between environmental attitudes and self-reported frequency of buying organic foods. According to Kahles (1983) study, the researcher defined that consumer values can applied in a selection of life situations (Kahle, 1983; Kamakura and Mazzon, 1991; Sheth et al., 1991). The studys result is: there is a higher level of concept than consumption behaviors such as new product adoption (NPA) while consumption-level attitudes are at a level of abstraction much nearer to consumption behaviors. Brunsos (2004) study had argued that NPA may be influence situation-specific consumer attitudes than consumers attitudes by applied means-end chain theory. 2.1.4 Consumers Attitudes According to Schlegelmilch, Greg, and Diamantopouloss (1996) study, the researchers came out with the finding that attitudes are the most reliable predictor of pro-environmental purchasing behaviors. In general, there have been found that a positive correlations between environmental concern such as attitude and environmental friendly behavior (Van Liere and Dunlap 1981; Roberts and Bacon 1997). Based on the case of recycling, an important relationship between environmental concern and ecologically responsible behavior has been study by Simmons and Widmar (1990). According to Wickers (1969) study, the researcher had found a powerless relationship between attitudes and behavior. Findings are still questionable in study the impacts of attitudes on behavior when object a category of ecological concerned consumers is much harder than marketers expected. Researchers have been proposed that using a single and multiple behavioral measurements on attitudes. Researchers should include other probable dominant variables (different attitude representations towards different objects), and corresponding the specificity of attitude and behavior measurement by the purposed to strengthen the relationship between attitude and behavior (Ajzen and Fishbein, 1977). Besides, there are a study shows that attitude and behavior may get advantage from the examination of multiple factors, merged with situational characteristics to validate if these factors influenced behavior (Weigel, 1983). Conjoint analysis had been suggested to test attitudes and behavior because conjoint analysis can provide information on where consumers perceived ecologically friendly of specific behaviors (Roozen and De Pelsmacker, 1998). According to Balderjahn (1985), in the late 60s and early 70s, a person that can be defined as those who knows the manufacturing, allocation, utilize, and discarding of products lead to external costs, and who evaluates such external costs negatively, trying to minimize them by behavior. According to Urban (1986), Van Liere and Dunlaps (1981) study, the researchers always interpreted environmentally relevant values, attitudes, and behavioural intentions in the research. A major determinant of buying ecologically products is environmentally concern (Brombacher and Hamm, 1990; Van Dam, 1991; and Grunert, 1993). A consumption-related entity with some degree of favor or disfavor had been evaluated based on Eagly and Chaikens (1993) study. According to Brunsos (2004) study, they are more analytical consumption behavior than other common factors, because consumption attitudes are exact to the consumption domain. Conversely, consumption attitudes are control by the overarching value systems, where it is to cover central dispositions applicable to a broad assortment of situations, contexts, and behaviors (Brunso , 2004 and Steenkamp, 1999). Clearly, consumption attitudes are tied personal values to actual consumption behaviors. Security value is concerned with peoples needs for safety, predictability, and stability (Schwartz, 1992). According to Daghfouss (1999) study, the level of security value hamper the acceptance of new products is high among international consumers. In consumption view, Johnson (1999) had argued that consumers concern for future security can be in part answered by sensible financial planning, which, consecutively reflected in their attitude toward savings (Liu and Cui, 2000). Consumers with a more positive attitude toward savings have a propensity to save more money for prospect used. Consumer purchasing power maybe negatively affected when consumers deposit their income into savings accounts. Attitude implies a combination of factual knowledge and motivating emotional concern which result in a tendency to act. Further, it is understood that clusters of attitudes about similar environmental conditions will motivate individuals to express their attitude. Therefore, to achieved maximum impact on environmental education, it must provide factual information which will lead to understanding of the total biophysical environment, develop a concern for environmental quality which will motive citizens to work toward solutions to biophysical environmental problems, and inform citizens as to how they can play an effective role in achieving the goals derived from their attitudes. 2.1.5 Consumers Behavior According to Zhong, Liljenquist, and Cains (2009) study, the researchers highlight the significance of global sense of morality by study the individuals moral reasoning and reactions to cut off events. This study argued that moral behaviors are figured into an understood calculation of self-perception where righteous behaviors boost moral self-image. It is hard to maintain a positive moral self and always costly. This is because social and ethical dilemmas usually engage in conflicts of interest. Therefore, people have a propensity to be powerfully motivated involved in pro-social and ethical behaviors if peoples moral self is threatened by a recent misbehavior. People are likely to analyze moral implications and regulate their behaviors right after their moral self experienced. This inferred that righteous acts can authorize successive asocial and immoral behaviors. Based on Sachdeva, Iliev, and Medins (2009) research, the researchers feel that purchasing green products declared ind ividuals values of social responsibility and ethical consciousness by reminding people of their humanitarian traits may reduced charitable donations. During the energy crisis of the late 1970s, there is a relationship to the attitudes-behavior had studies by past research (Berger and Corbin, 1992). According to Websters (1975) study, the researcher shows that the consumers were concerns about saving energy, but behavior on such concerns was deficient. However, many investigators believe that low level of attitude and behavioral correspondence is a answer of improper attitudinal specificity (Ajzen and Fishbein, 1980). According to Suchard and Polonskis (1991) study, the researchers had argued that ecologically awareness consumers are trying to concern for the environment in different ways. The marketers must work out carefulness when attempting to extend environmental initiatives from one ecologically conscious behavior to another (Pickett, 1993). 2.1.6 Psychological An assorted model joins both demographics and psychographics should be preferred to the traditional demographic profiling methods in examining environmental concern; as a correlate of environmental behavior because psychographic variables present stable profiles of green consumption (Straughan and Roberts, 1999). The psychological influences relating to ecological consumption can be supported by previous research. According to Kinnear (1974), Tucker (1980), and Robertss (1996) study, the researchers had argued the effectiveness on consumers perceived. This study investigated the level to any consumer can have an impact on the environment. As a finding result shows that there is a high level of perceived consumers effectiveness in greater levels of green consumerism. Based on Schwepker and Cornwell (1991), and Sparks and Shepherds (1992) research, they argued the self efficacy is related to ones ability to join in green consumption. Some previous studies the meaning of social responsibility and it is an extent to which an individual feels morally responsible to take part (Tucker, 1980; Schwepker and Cornwell, 1991; and Mainerei, 1997). The causal model depicted in Figure 1 includes five dimensions of ecologically responsible consumption patterns. Two of them concern energy conservation patterns. The use of home insulation goods is measured by three indicators (use of double glazing windows, use of wall cavity insulation, and insulation of windows), and the dimension of energy curtailment is measured by two indicators (reduce heating and take a shower instead of having a bath). Ecologically responsible buying and using of products is a further dependent dimension of our causal model, which is operationalized by three indicators (buy less packaged products, use returnables, and use fewer detergents). If a brands ecological impact is questionable, the ecologically concerned consumer has the alternative either to change to a nonpolluting brand or to express dissatisfaction to the manufacturer of that product (Hirschman, 1970). A more general, but not productspecific, act of ecologically concerned consumers is to supp ort or to join environmental protection organizations as a means of expressing dissatisfaction with environmentally harmful goods. To take into account this general ecologically behavioral pattern, our causal model includes a dimension of environmental concern that is measured by two indicators (signing ecologically relevant petitions and support or join an antipollution organization). The ecologically responsible use of automobiles completes the list of dependent behavioral dimensions specified in the causal model. Four measures are used as indicators (only driving if necessary , economical driving, driving bicycles instead of cars, and reduce driving). Henion (1976) postulates that ecologically concerned consumers possess certain psychological characteristics to a significantly higher degree than other consumers. Webster (1975) developed his so-called social involvement model, which suggests that socially conscious consumers are more active and socially involved than the average consumer. This study includes consumers personality traits that reflect the degree of alienation and emotional expressiveness. We hypothesize that ecologically concerned consumers, although they are more alienated from the core culture, are active and not willing to suppress dissatisfaction with the perceived environmental pollution. Each trait is operationalized by two measures (give way to ones feelings and suppress emotions for emotional expressiveness, and unsureness in dealing with others and like to be in the center of attention for alienation) using the multiple indicator measurement model (for further details, see Balderjahn, 1988). Kinnear et al. (1974) were the first who identified the so-called characteristic of perceived consumer effectiveness. This is a measure of the extent to which a person believes that an individual consumer can be effective in pollution abatement. Henion and Wilson (1976) relate that variable to the concept of locus of control. Empirical results suggest that the ecologically concerned consumer is an internally controlled individual. It should be mentioned that this control concept operates as a strong predictor in the domain of the individuals perception of economic problems (Strtimpel, 1976). Furthermore, because the control belief mediates the impact of success or failure on the expectancy of reinforcements, the close relationship between that concept of locus of control and the theory of causal attribution is evident. Here, a binary measure of personal control (internal or external) and a measure of ideology control (perceived power of changing adverse social conditions) are analyzed. We hypothesize that the ecologically concerned consumer is an internally controlled person who believes in peoples power of changing perceived adverse social conditions. The very early research on ecologically concerned consumers focuses on attitudes as descriptor and predictor variables. According to Kinnear et al. (1974), a buyers attitude must express his/her concern for ecology. Attitudes have served as predictors of energy conservation behavior, ecologically conscious purchase and use of products and recycling. In our study, three measures of environmental attitudes are included to explain behavior. These are the pro-con attitude toward nuclear energy, the attitude toward pollution (measured along a 4-point rating scale), and the attitude toward ecologically conscious living. The latter attitude combines two measures in a multiple indicator model (deviate from societal consensus and go to native). We hypothesize that the attitude toward pollution and the attitude toward ecologically conscious living predict behavior-especially the latter, because of its higher specificity. Additionally, it is assumed that the attitude toward nuclear energycan se rve as a proxi-variable to identify ecologically concerned consumers. Socioeconomic and demographic variables are easy to assess, and they therefore play an important role in market segmentation. Unfortunately, the predictive power of demographic and socioeconomic variables is generally low. Here, we hypothesized that ecologically concerned consumers are better educated, younger, and have a higher income than the average consumer. Sex and occupational status are included in a rather exploratory sense. Education, income, and occupational status are summarized to an index of the consumers socioeconomic status. We assume that ecologically concerned consumers occupy a higher status than others. Furthermore, we are interested in the impact of cultural factors on nonpolluting consumption patterns. The number of friends, the friends social position, and the place of residence may be important cultural factors in explaining ecological consciousness, because they reflect different socialization conditions in which the consumer acts.