Measuring Light-Switching Behavior Using an Occupancy and Light Data Logger

Summary

This article describes a procedure for using and deploying an occupancy and light data logger which allows collecting data about light-switching behavior of participants in field settings.

Abstract

Due to discrepancies between self-reported and observed pro-environmental behavior, researchers suggest the use of more direct measures of behavior. Although direct behavioral observation may increase the external validity and generalizability of a study, it may be time-consuming and be subject to experimenter or observer bias. To address these issues, the use of data loggers as an alternative to natural observation can allow researchers to conduct broad studies without interrupting the participants' naturally occurring behaviors. This article describes one of such tools—the occupancy and light data logger—with its technical description, deployment protocol, and information about its possible applications in psychological experiments. The results of testing the reliability of the logger in comparison to human observation is provided alongside an example of the gathered data during a 15-day measurement in public restroom (N = 1,148) that includes: 1) room occupancy changes; 2) indoor light changes; and 3) room occupancy time.

Introduction

One of the most commonly used measures of pro-environmental behavior in psychology are self-reports in the form of surveys, interviews, or questionnaires¹. Among the reasons indicated for this trend is simply the difficulty in conducting field experiments, which usually require a fair amount of resources and precise operationalization^2,3. However, the tradeoff is worth the effort since it is well established that relying on self-reporting measures can be misleading in the prediction of objective behavior^4,5,

Protocol

The study was approved by the ethics committee of the SWPS University of Social Science and Humanities in Warsaw (number 46/2016).

1. Choosing an experimental site for logger deployment

1. Choose an indoor experimental site that will allow mounting the logger in close proximity to the light source (for adequate light changes detection) as well as to gather the data on the behavior regarding the room occupancy status (for adequate movement detection) of individual participants (i.e., one at a time).
2. Establish the intended use of the room and its designated users (males, females or co-ed).
   NOTE: An example of an expe....

Results

Loggers' reliability test in comparison to human observation
In order to test the reliability of the logger in comparison to human observation, a 4 h field test was conducted in a single-stall male restroom located on the University campus. Two male observers waited outside the restroom (approximately 5 m away from the front door) and independently recorded the visitors' behavior in terms of occupancy rates/times and light switching (lights left ON or OFF upon exiting). Simultaneously, two data logge.......

Discussion

When planning to use more than one site (for logger deployment) at the same time, it should be ensured that each site has an identical architectural layout in order to exclude the possibility of occurrence of different behavioral patterns from participants (i.e., resulting from occupancy times and light-switching possibilities). A suitable site should be equipped with one or more light sources with only one corresponding light switch, visible to the occupant. If otherwise, one should plann to use one logger fir each ligh.......

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
HOBO Occupancy/Light (5m Range) Data Logger	ONSET	UX90-005	As advertised by Onset - The HOBO UX90-005 Room Occupancy/Light Data Logger is available in a standard 128 KB memory model (UX90-005) capable of 84,650 measurements and an expanded 512KB memory version (UX90-005M) capable of over 346,795 measurements. For details and other products visit: https://www.onsetcomp.com/products/data-loggers/ux90-005
HOBO Light Pipe	ONSET	UX90-LIGHT-PIPE-1	An optional fiber optic attachment or light pipe that eliminates effects of ambient light to ensure the most accurate readings. For details visit: https://www.onsetcomp.com/support/manuals/17522-using-ux90-light-pipe-1
HOBOware	ONSET	-	Setup, graphing and analysis software for Windows and Mac. There are two versions of HOBOware: HOBOware (available for free) and HOBOware Pro (paid version which allows for additional analysis with different loggers). Each of them are dedicated to HOBO loggers. For details visit: https://www.onsetcomp.com/products/software/hoboware