Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2008. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 208-215).

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Edinburgh, 2001.

Recent empirical research on meat demand has debated whether or not the effects of changing meat prices can explain all the observed changes in meat consumption patterns. This thesis provides a framework for modelling and testing for structural change using three commonly used demand system — a linear demand system, an inverse demand system, and the Almost Ideal Demand System (AIDS). Emphasis is placed on the statistical adequacy of the models. Two specific issues are carefully addressed: consumer concern for cholesterol and its effect on meat demand, and the dynamics of adjustment in meat consumption. When modelling the demand for beef, pork, chicken and turkey, none of the three demand systems are found to be statistically adequate, and consequently, cannot be used to address structural change issues for these particular data and commodities. The AIDS models are re-estimated in an attempt to model the demand for beef, pork, chicken and fish instead of turkey. The dynamic versions of the AIDS models using either a gradual shift spline path, a Farley-Hinich path, a variable measuring cholesterol awareness, or the log of the cholesterol awareness variable are all statistically adequate. Likelihood ratio tests on these models indicate that structural change has occurred. The significance of the cholesterol variable in the demand models indicates that health concern is an important factor in meat purchasing decisions. / Master of Science

The purposes of this study were to study the consumers' perceptions and expectations of family finances, business, and buying conditions. / Master of Science

Environmental deterioration has been and continues to be a serious problem in our consumer-oriented society. The ecologically detrimental effects of clothing waste are often unappreciated even by those who attempt to practice social responsibility in other areas of consumption. The purpose of this research was to examine the degree of social responsibility exhibited by individuals in their consumption of clothing. The specific clothing acquisition and discard (CAD) behaviors studied were garment recycling. purchase of secondhand clothing purchase of classic style apparel, and general clothing conservation. A 26-item instrument (CAD scale) was developed to measure attitudes toward these behaviors. The scale was subjected to two pretests using student samples from VPI&SU and was analyzed by means of a computer program (PACKAGE) designed to assess reliability and dimensionality. Construct validity was evaluated by correlating the CAD scale with an established measure of attitudes toward socially responsible consumption. Correlation with a behavior measure was used to investigate the scale's predictive validity. Data were obtained through the distribution of a questionnaire to a sample of 405 shoppers at a Roanoke, Virginia, mall. Only questionnaires with complete CAD scales (282) were used for analysis. This group of respondents was divided into three parts. the top third was considered to have favorable attitudes toward responsible clothing consumption and the bottom third to have less favorable attitudes. Chi-square tests compared the scores of both groups on clothing consumption behaviors. sociodemographic variables, and media usage variables. Stepwise discriminant analysis and correlation coefficients were also used to examine the relationship between attitudes and sociodemographic variables. The CAD scale was found to be a reasonably reliable and valid measure of attitudes toward socially responsible clothing consumption as conceptualized. Respondents with favorable attitudes were older and had lower incomes and higher education levels than those with less favorable attitudes. They were also less inclined to be politically conservative and more likely to be married and living with their spouses. They watched more news and nature/wildlife television programs and fewer game shows. They also read more literary and educational magazines. / Ph. D. / incomplete_metadata

This dissertation study attempts to understand excessive buying, a phenomenon of both theoretical and practical interest. I define excessive buying as "an individual type of buying behavior whereby consumers repetitively spend more than they should based on financial considerations". I develop a conceptual typology of excessive buying, building on the time-inconsistent preferences and automaticity theory. The new typology categorizes five specific types of excessive buying behavior: 1) habitual, 2) possessive, 3) remedial, 4) rewarding, and 5) out-of-control. Based on past literature and the typology, I generate scale items to capture the conceptual and logical variance in excessive buying. Psychometric properties of the scale are tested via Confirmatory Factor Analysis using a student and random adult sample. Nomological validity of the scale is confirmed by testing hypotheses formulated based on hedonic shopping values and the self-defeating behavior theory. The empirical analyses suggest that excessive buying results from stress, using shopping as an escape from reality, and little consideration for the potential outcomes of one's current behavior. Excessive buying leas to both financial problems and negative emotions.