ABSTRACT Previous research has provided inconclusive support for the preference matrix; a psychol... more ABSTRACT Previous research has provided inconclusive support for the preference matrix; a psychological framework of landscape aesthetics rooted in a long tradition of studying scenic quality. Given recent insights into the important implications that aesthetics have for health and well-being, the aim of the present study was to re-assess the validity of the preference matrix following the implementation of a series of methodological improvements. These entailed: a set of item definitions piloted for high comprehension; adequate statistical control for confounding influences by scene content and user experience; a substantially sized, highly varied image database; and the employment of statistical instruments to formally test for nonlinear relationships. An ordinal mixed effects model provides convergent evidence for our hypothesis that each of predictors in the preference matrix is independently predictive of scene aesthetics. In addition, we find support for an interaction between the constructs of Coherence and Complexity and show that levels of both natural and built character, as well as familiarity, are uniquely predictive of scene attractiveness. The present findings underline the role of the preference matrix as a potential tool in informing evidence-based design.
ABSTRACT In the context of architectural and urban design, we compared and contrasted passive obs... more ABSTRACT In the context of architectural and urban design, we compared and contrasted passive observation of walkthroughs of a desktop computer modelled environment with user-controlled (active) navigation of the same model. In a study involving 81 participants, we explored the differences in subjective responses attributable to navigation mode. Quantitative measurements using perception and sensation scales showed that differences were relatively minor, but generally suggestive of a positive connotation for the active condition. Notably, we also observed differences in the way self-navigators and observers speak about and recall the environment they experienced. These differences lead us to conclude that the best mode of presentation of a virtual built environment depends on the purpose for which opinion is being sought.
The research described in this paper concerns a number of key issues which are of central importa... more The research described in this paper concerns a number of key issues which are of central importance to understanding public participation in the context of urban development and urban engineering. Proposals for the sustainable uplifting of many city centres rely on the identification of specific areas which will be of central importance to occupants, users and visitors to the city. It is thought to be essential that such areas are developed in such a way that better physical and other connections can be generated across the city centre. This research is considering and modelling potential solutions to the issue of urban disconnection, and has undertaken to gather and report a detailed study of associated public perceptions, attitudes and values. The issue of disconnection within a city centre context requires that a complex range of attributes are considered, and that potential solutions including pedestrianisation initiatives, traffic management and addressing perceptions of safet...
ABSTRACT In the context of architectural and urban design, we compared and contrasted passive obs... more ABSTRACT In the context of architectural and urban design, we compared and contrasted passive observation of walkthroughs of a desktop computer modelled environment with user-controlled (active) navigation of the same model. In a study involving 81 participants, we explored the differences in subjective responses attributable to navigation mode. Quantitative measurements using perception and sensation scales showed that differences were relatively minor, but generally suggestive of a positive connotation for the active condition. Notably, we also observed differences in the way self-navigators and observers speak about and recall the environment they experienced. These differences lead us to conclude that the best mode of presentation of a virtual built environment depends on the purpose for which opinion is being sought.
ABSTRACT CEDSS (Community Energy Demand Social Simulator) is an empirical agent-based model desig... more ABSTRACT CEDSS (Community Energy Demand Social Simulator) is an empirical agent-based model designed and built as part of a multi-method social science project investigating the determinants of domestic energy demand. Ideally, empirical modellers, within and beyond social simulation, would prefer to work from an integrated dataset, gathered for the purposes of developing the model. In practice, many have to work with less than ideal data, often including processed data from multiple sources external to the project. Moreover, what data will be required may not be clear at the start of the project. This paper describes the approach to dealing with these factors taken in developing CEDSS, and presents the completed model together with an outline of the calibration and validation procedure used. The discussion section draws together the most distinctive features of empirical data collection, processing and use for and in CEDSS, and argues that the approach taken is sufficiently robust to underpin the model’s purpose – to generate scenarios of domestic energy demand to 2049.
ABSTRACT Previous research has provided inconclusive support for the preference matrix; a psychol... more ABSTRACT Previous research has provided inconclusive support for the preference matrix; a psychological framework of landscape aesthetics rooted in a long tradition of studying scenic quality. Given recent insights into the important implications that aesthetics have for health and well-being, the aim of the present study was to re-assess the validity of the preference matrix following the implementation of a series of methodological improvements. These entailed: a set of item definitions piloted for high comprehension; adequate statistical control for confounding influences by scene content and user experience; a substantially sized, highly varied image database; and the employment of statistical instruments to formally test for nonlinear relationships. An ordinal mixed effects model provides convergent evidence for our hypothesis that each of predictors in the preference matrix is independently predictive of scene aesthetics. In addition, we find support for an interaction between the constructs of Coherence and Complexity and show that levels of both natural and built character, as well as familiarity, are uniquely predictive of scene attractiveness. The present findings underline the role of the preference matrix as a potential tool in informing evidence-based design.
ABSTRACT Agent-based modeling (ABM) is an increasingly popular technique for modeling organizatio... more ABSTRACT Agent-based modeling (ABM) is an increasingly popular technique for modeling organizations or societies. In this paper, a new approach for modeling decision-making for the environmental decisions of agents in an organization modeled using ABM is devised. The decision-making model has been constructed using data obtained by responses of individuals of the organizations to a questionnaire. As the number of responses is small, while the number of variables measured is relatively high, and obtained decision rules should be explicit, decision trees were selected to generate the model after applying different techniques to properly preprocess the data set. The results obtained for an academic organization are presented.
ABSTRACT The total amount of energy consumed by households over a given period of time is a funct... more ABSTRACT The total amount of energy consumed by households over a given period of time is a function of socio-physical factors and occupant behaviour. Findings are presented here from Phase 1 of the three-phase North East Scotland Energy Monitoring Project (NESEMP), a longitudinal study of household energy consumption patterns including baseline, intervention, and post-intervention evaluation phases. Electricity data from 215 households were recorded remotely at 5-min intervals between January 2011 and January 2012 inclusive. The study explored the different electricity consumption profiles associated with particular household types. It is suggested that such empirically-derived profiles have great potential in illuminating group differences and that these merit further research. Households were also asked to fill in a carbon footprint calculator questionnaire as part of the study and estimated carbon footprints derived from the carbon calculation tool were compared against electricity use. A significant association was found between carbon footprint estimates derived from the carbon calculation tool (specifically the component related to appliance use) and the actual electricity consumed by households. This demonstrates that the carbon footprint calculator – a pen-and-paper questionnaire that does not take actual energy consumption into account – can potentially be used as a tool to gauge electricity use where consumption data are not available.
Abstract���How a household varies their regular usage of electricity is useful information for or... more Abstract���How a household varies their regular usage of electricity is useful information for organisations to allow accurate targeting of behaviour modification initiatives with the aim of improving the overall efficiency of the electricity network. The variability of regular activities in a household is one possible indication of that household's willingness to accept incentives to change their behaviour.
ABSTRACT Previous research has provided inconclusive support for the preference matrix; a psychol... more ABSTRACT Previous research has provided inconclusive support for the preference matrix; a psychological framework of landscape aesthetics rooted in a long tradition of studying scenic quality. Given recent insights into the important implications that aesthetics have for health and well-being, the aim of the present study was to re-assess the validity of the preference matrix following the implementation of a series of methodological improvements. These entailed: a set of item definitions piloted for high comprehension; adequate statistical control for confounding influences by scene content and user experience; a substantially sized, highly varied image database; and the employment of statistical instruments to formally test for nonlinear relationships. An ordinal mixed effects model provides convergent evidence for our hypothesis that each of predictors in the preference matrix is independently predictive of scene aesthetics. In addition, we find support for an interaction between the constructs of Coherence and Complexity and show that levels of both natural and built character, as well as familiarity, are uniquely predictive of scene attractiveness. The present findings underline the role of the preference matrix as a potential tool in informing evidence-based design.
ABSTRACT In the context of architectural and urban design, we compared and contrasted passive obs... more ABSTRACT In the context of architectural and urban design, we compared and contrasted passive observation of walkthroughs of a desktop computer modelled environment with user-controlled (active) navigation of the same model. In a study involving 81 participants, we explored the differences in subjective responses attributable to navigation mode. Quantitative measurements using perception and sensation scales showed that differences were relatively minor, but generally suggestive of a positive connotation for the active condition. Notably, we also observed differences in the way self-navigators and observers speak about and recall the environment they experienced. These differences lead us to conclude that the best mode of presentation of a virtual built environment depends on the purpose for which opinion is being sought.
The research described in this paper concerns a number of key issues which are of central importa... more The research described in this paper concerns a number of key issues which are of central importance to understanding public participation in the context of urban development and urban engineering. Proposals for the sustainable uplifting of many city centres rely on the identification of specific areas which will be of central importance to occupants, users and visitors to the city. It is thought to be essential that such areas are developed in such a way that better physical and other connections can be generated across the city centre. This research is considering and modelling potential solutions to the issue of urban disconnection, and has undertaken to gather and report a detailed study of associated public perceptions, attitudes and values. The issue of disconnection within a city centre context requires that a complex range of attributes are considered, and that potential solutions including pedestrianisation initiatives, traffic management and addressing perceptions of safet...
ABSTRACT In the context of architectural and urban design, we compared and contrasted passive obs... more ABSTRACT In the context of architectural and urban design, we compared and contrasted passive observation of walkthroughs of a desktop computer modelled environment with user-controlled (active) navigation of the same model. In a study involving 81 participants, we explored the differences in subjective responses attributable to navigation mode. Quantitative measurements using perception and sensation scales showed that differences were relatively minor, but generally suggestive of a positive connotation for the active condition. Notably, we also observed differences in the way self-navigators and observers speak about and recall the environment they experienced. These differences lead us to conclude that the best mode of presentation of a virtual built environment depends on the purpose for which opinion is being sought.
ABSTRACT CEDSS (Community Energy Demand Social Simulator) is an empirical agent-based model desig... more ABSTRACT CEDSS (Community Energy Demand Social Simulator) is an empirical agent-based model designed and built as part of a multi-method social science project investigating the determinants of domestic energy demand. Ideally, empirical modellers, within and beyond social simulation, would prefer to work from an integrated dataset, gathered for the purposes of developing the model. In practice, many have to work with less than ideal data, often including processed data from multiple sources external to the project. Moreover, what data will be required may not be clear at the start of the project. This paper describes the approach to dealing with these factors taken in developing CEDSS, and presents the completed model together with an outline of the calibration and validation procedure used. The discussion section draws together the most distinctive features of empirical data collection, processing and use for and in CEDSS, and argues that the approach taken is sufficiently robust to underpin the model’s purpose – to generate scenarios of domestic energy demand to 2049.
ABSTRACT Previous research has provided inconclusive support for the preference matrix; a psychol... more ABSTRACT Previous research has provided inconclusive support for the preference matrix; a psychological framework of landscape aesthetics rooted in a long tradition of studying scenic quality. Given recent insights into the important implications that aesthetics have for health and well-being, the aim of the present study was to re-assess the validity of the preference matrix following the implementation of a series of methodological improvements. These entailed: a set of item definitions piloted for high comprehension; adequate statistical control for confounding influences by scene content and user experience; a substantially sized, highly varied image database; and the employment of statistical instruments to formally test for nonlinear relationships. An ordinal mixed effects model provides convergent evidence for our hypothesis that each of predictors in the preference matrix is independently predictive of scene aesthetics. In addition, we find support for an interaction between the constructs of Coherence and Complexity and show that levels of both natural and built character, as well as familiarity, are uniquely predictive of scene attractiveness. The present findings underline the role of the preference matrix as a potential tool in informing evidence-based design.
ABSTRACT Agent-based modeling (ABM) is an increasingly popular technique for modeling organizatio... more ABSTRACT Agent-based modeling (ABM) is an increasingly popular technique for modeling organizations or societies. In this paper, a new approach for modeling decision-making for the environmental decisions of agents in an organization modeled using ABM is devised. The decision-making model has been constructed using data obtained by responses of individuals of the organizations to a questionnaire. As the number of responses is small, while the number of variables measured is relatively high, and obtained decision rules should be explicit, decision trees were selected to generate the model after applying different techniques to properly preprocess the data set. The results obtained for an academic organization are presented.
ABSTRACT The total amount of energy consumed by households over a given period of time is a funct... more ABSTRACT The total amount of energy consumed by households over a given period of time is a function of socio-physical factors and occupant behaviour. Findings are presented here from Phase 1 of the three-phase North East Scotland Energy Monitoring Project (NESEMP), a longitudinal study of household energy consumption patterns including baseline, intervention, and post-intervention evaluation phases. Electricity data from 215 households were recorded remotely at 5-min intervals between January 2011 and January 2012 inclusive. The study explored the different electricity consumption profiles associated with particular household types. It is suggested that such empirically-derived profiles have great potential in illuminating group differences and that these merit further research. Households were also asked to fill in a carbon footprint calculator questionnaire as part of the study and estimated carbon footprints derived from the carbon calculation tool were compared against electricity use. A significant association was found between carbon footprint estimates derived from the carbon calculation tool (specifically the component related to appliance use) and the actual electricity consumed by households. This demonstrates that the carbon footprint calculator – a pen-and-paper questionnaire that does not take actual energy consumption into account – can potentially be used as a tool to gauge electricity use where consumption data are not available.
Abstract���How a household varies their regular usage of electricity is useful information for or... more Abstract���How a household varies their regular usage of electricity is useful information for organisations to allow accurate targeting of behaviour modification initiatives with the aim of improving the overall efficiency of the electricity network. The variability of regular activities in a household is one possible indication of that household's willingness to accept incentives to change their behaviour.
The paper presents results of a study of heating habits (particularly the reported temperature in... more The paper presents results of a study of heating habits (particularly the reported temperature in the living room during the heating season) in three EU regions: Aberdeenshire in Scotland, Brandenburg state in Germany, and South Bohemia in the Czech Republic. Data were collected using a questionnaire study carried out in 2010. There were approximately 500 respondents in each region. Three types of data are analysed: socio-demographics (including gender, age, education, income); housing characteristics (e.g. type, size, insulation, heating system), and attitudes towards energy and environmental issues (perception of climate change and perceived self-efficacy of energy saving). The results show some explanatory power of income, house insulation, age, place of living and self-efficacy on people’s reported living room temperatures. The biggest differences were found, however, between the three regions. Scottish households report the lowest average temperature (18.9°C), Germans higher (20.7°C) and Czechs the highest (21.7°C). We also discuss the role of the local climatic conditions and put the results (especially the negligible role of most socio-demographics and housing characteristics) into the framework of theory of social practice and discussions about the limits of traditional sociopsychological ABC models (attitude-behaviour-choice) of pro-environmental behaviours.
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Papers by Tony Craig