Transportation Travel behavior - Research Paper Example

The current paper focuses on the examination of the various aspects of travel behavior in transportation. Emphasis is laid on the potential use of theories developed in psychology for explaining travel attitudes. There are two key issues that have been explored through this study: a) whether travel attitudes can be measured effectively by employing theories common in psychology and b) whether psychologists support the value of travel attitude in estimating the level of travel demand, as developed in a particular market.

The interaction between travel behavior and psychology is analytically explained in this study and appropriate examples are provided, where available, in order to show the role of psychology in understanding and measuring travel attitude. The methodology adopted is based on literature review. Studies published in academic literature especially journals have been used for explaining the issues. Material from books has been used to supplement the information available. Headings and sub-headings have been used with the objective of making the paper easier to be read; identification of potential gaps and arriving at suggestions of an effective solution.

While developing the research in regard to the issues mentioned above the following fact is made clear: travel demand is not standardized worldwide. For this reason, the studies published in this field cannot fully substantiate the needs of the paper, in terms of research. The use of books has been considered as necessary for completing gaps that have not been covered through journals. However, omitting journals as a resource would be a mistake since the journals are mainly based on empirical research.

Therefore, the combination of journal and books is considered as critical for answering the questions set in this paper. Particular reference should be made to the following fact: the studies available for examining this paper’s issues are rather limited; it is for this reason that books have been identified along so that the credibility of the study is not threatened. 2. Transportation - Travel Behavior & Travel Attitude 2.1 Travel Behavior Starting with a brief introduction of travel behavior, travel behavior involves methods of modeling and analyzing travel demand by using analytical techniques and theories derived from various fields (Goulias, 2000)1.

It is well established that under the influence of different factors individuals do not behave in an identical manner and the same holds true for their travel behaviors also. Some of the factors that play a role in influencing decision making and travel behavior are time constraints, use of space, economic considerations and the stage of life at which an individual is. Travel behavior involves study of how people use space and transportation. Travel attitude is a concept that is closely related to socio-psychology.

In fact, travel attitude, as a behavioral characteristic of an individual can be fully explained using theories and concepts applied in psychology, and has been analyzed in detail in sections below. In this context, the