This thesis bridges a gap in extant research by examining key factors that play a role in behavioral grocery shopping routines following minor and major disruptions. The present research involves two interrelated investigations incorporating mixed methodologies (Cresswell, 2003). Study 1 involves semi-structured in-depth interviews seeking to establish how goal-directed grocery shopping routines are developed over time. Utilizing a laddering approach of questioning (Gutman, 1997), respondents are probed on their routines (Brotherton, 2001) and goals, including end goals as described in the List of Values (Kahle & Kennedy, 1988). Three participants were interviewed on three occasions over an eight week period, until theoretical saturation was achieved. A significant contribution of Study 1 lies in the development of a conceptual framework for understanding factors associated with grocery shopping routines. This model reflects a working definition characterizing routines as goal-driven and value-guided heuristic strategies. It is proposed that routines are repetitive patterns of personal and private behavioral activities dependent upon situational and temporal contexts, and utilized for instrumental reasons. Risk-taking attitudes and personal values also shape goal-directed behaviors. Using structural equation modeling (SEM) procedures (Jöreskog & Sörbom, 1993), Study 2, an online experiment, aims to test and build upon the conceptual model emanating from Study 1. This study also investigates the impact of minor and major disruptions on routinized grocery shopping behavior. 612 participants were allocated across three experimental groups: situational contexts, anticipated temporal conditions, and repetitive value. Cohorts were assessed at baseline levels and received unique minor and major disruptions appropriate to their circumstance. Study 2 contributes through the large-scale SEM testing of a model of grocery shopping routinization. Overall, sound structural model fit demonstrates that the present model of grocery shopping routinization is explained by six distinct components including routinized behavior, goal-centeredness, situational contexts, anticipated temporal conditions, repetitive value, and risk-taking attitudes; and three dimensions of personal values: maturity, self-direction/achievement, and enjoyment. In terms of disruptions, findings indicate that routine strength is dependent on degree of situational, temporal, and instrumental interruptions. Disruptions can both facilitate and impede routines. Results demonstrate that regardless of goal stability, routines change when model components are disrupted. Findings suggest theoretical, research, and practical implications. This thesis expands decision making theory (Betsch, Fiedler, & Brinkmann, 1998) by demonstrating that, despite unwavering goals, new contexts arising from disruptions influence new behavioral deliberations. In relation to research implications, this thesis develops then subsequently tests a model of grocery shopping routinization. Despite routines becoming subconscious over time (Aarts & Dijksterhuis, 2000a), this study asserts that routines are intentional and involve goal-directed strategies for dealing with the environment. From an applied perspective, practitioners should be aware that routine-disrupted consumers remain goal-driven. Consumers are unlikely to forego focal goals (e.g., shop for weekly household meals) if these goals are non-negotiable. Present results suggest that consumers esteem maturity-related personal values, such as fostering and maintaining warm relationships with others and sense of belonging, when grocery sho pping.

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This paper has attempted to accurately assess the impact of the disposable plastic grocery bag on the planet. Based on the research findings, it has been concluded that disposable plastic grocery bags are not a necessity, are not justifiable on many reasonable grounds, are costly, and are a toxic detriment to our health and our environment. The distribution of an educational executive briefing package attempted to influence retailers to avail of the opportunity (outlining potential profit, corporate image, and environmental benefits) of going bagless at the checkout, and to cease the use of disposable plastic bags in favour of the non-woven, polypropylene green bag. A shift to this reusable green bag appears to represent an important and effective interim measure towards more noble and sustainable living. Throughout this paper, the disposable plastic grocery bag will be considered through the lenses of morality, economics and the environment.

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Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of North Texas, Aug., 2007. / Title from title page display. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 82-86).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1968. / Vita. Typescript. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Chicago, the Irving B. Harris Graduate School of Public Policy Studies, August 1999. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available on the Internet.

Proefschrift--Amsterdam. / Corrigenda slip inserted. Preface in Dutch and English. Bibliography: p. 248-251.