The Effect of Financial Cost of Energy on the Behaviour of Individuals in the UK - Statistics Project Example

Statistical project on Human Resource Table of Contents Analysis 3 Age 3 Summary 18 Gender 19 Question 3 24 Summary 33 Summary 42 Overall Summary 43 Reference list 44 Analysis This section of the assignment highlights the results that are obtained after analysis of SPSS data. The data is obtained from the responses of the questionnaires. The main aim of the survey is to measure the effect of financial cost of energy on the behaviour of individuals in the UK. The statistical analysis is depicted with the help of graphs, which clearly reflects the outcomes of the questions that are asked to the respondents. The assignment aims at depicting the relation between people behaviour and gender, age and people behaviour and time period and people behaviour. The project is divided into 3 parts, where the impact of age, gender and time period is examined with respect to the changes in the financial cost of energy. Age Socio-demographic features are significant in any online or offline survey. If the questionnaires are asked to a group of respondents with varying age boundaries then the conception of different age groups are identified. The target audience helps highlighting the bent of mind of a specific age group (Dobronte, 2013). Hence, it is very useful to divide the respondents according to different age groups. In this survey, the age group plays a pivotal role as the people behaviour can be identified with respect to the changes in energy cost. The following tables and graphs helped in analysing the results that are obtained from the questionnaire and SPSS analysis. The data obtained from the questions are presented in the graphs. Question 1: Are you interested in the subject of renewable energy? Figure 1: Are you interested in the subject of renewable energy (Source: Author’s creation) Figure 2: Interested in renewable energy (Source: Author’s creation) From the above graph and table it is evident that majority of the respondents are interested in the subject of renewable energy. The most important part of the result is that 100% of the respondents of age 35 and over have the knowledge regarding the use of renewable energy; whereas 83% of respondents aging between 18- 24 years are also aware of its use. Though there are considerable amount of respondents who are not aware of the use of renewable energy but responses of the majority is considered for drawing any conclusion. Question 2: Do you have an idea about the environmental damage caused by the result f hydro and fuel based power plants? Table 2: Any idea regarding environmental damage Age   18-24 25-34 35 and over Total Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count Do you have an idea about the environmental damaged caused a result of hydro and fuel based power plants?  yes 68.7% 68 44.7% 17 54.5% 6 61.5% 91 no 31.3% 31 55.3% 21 45.5% 5 38.5% 57 Total 100.0% 99 100.0% 38 100.0% 11 100.0% 148 Figure 3: Any idea regarding environmental damage that is caused by hydro and fuel (Source: Author’s creation) Figure 4: Idea regarding environmental damage (Source: Author’s creation) The respondents belonging to the age group 18-24 years have higher knowledge than that of the other age groups. The reason behind this can be urge of knowing environmental stuffs that are taught in schools, colleges and universities. They are more expose to theoretical knowledge pertaining to environmental damage that are caused by hydro and fuel based plants. They are quite aware of the cost and consequences of the damage that are made to the environment. However, the respondents of age group 25-34 years and above 35 years are not exposed to such information; they do not have enough time to gather such data as they are busy with their work life. Question 3: During your stay in the UK do you pay your electricity and gas bills yourself? Table 3: Payment of electricity and gas bills Age   18-24 25-34 35 and over Total Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count During your stay in the UK do you pay your electricity and gas bills yourself? yes 88.9% 88 97.4% 37 90.9% 10 91.2% 135 no 11.1% 11 2.6% 1 9.1% 1 8.8% 13 Total 100.0% 99 100.0% 38 100.0% 11 100.0% 148 Figure 5: Payment of electricity and gas bills (Source: Author’s creation) Majority of the respondents of the three age groups pay their electricity and gas bills by themselves; this indicates towards the fact that they are aware of the consumption limit, which they can afford because of their fixed earnings. The consumption limit of the electricity of a household is dependent on the number of members and the electronic goods used by them. Hence, it varies according to the size of family. Question 4: Do you think the price of energy is equal throughput the UK? Table 4: Price of energy Age   18-24 25-34 35 and over Total Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count Do you think the prices of energy are equal throughout the UK? yes 38.5% 37 32.4% 12 36.4% 4 36.8% 53 no 61.5% 59 67.6% 25 63.6% 7 63.2% 91 Total 100.0% 96 100.0% 37 100.0% 11 100.0% 144 From the above table it can be stated that the respondents are quite sure about the fact that the price of energy is not equal throughout the UK. The price of energy is dependent on the place, where the individuals live in the country. The suppliers charge amounts differently based on the supply address. Hence proximity to the supplier station benefits the customers or else they have to pay additional changes (UK Power Limited, 2015). Question 5: When you are in Qatar do you follow the same behaviour of switching off the energy applications (e.g. light/heating) in the UK? Table 5: Switch of behaviour Age   18-24 25-34 35 and over Total Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count When you are in Qatar do you follow the same behaviour of switching off the energy appliances (e.g. light/heating) in the UK? yes 42.4% 42 48.6% 18 60.0% 6 45.2% 66 no 57.6% 57 51.4% 19 40.0% 4 54.8% 80 Total 100.0% 99 100.0% 37 100.0% 10 100.0% 146 Figure 6: Same switching behaviour in Qatar (Source: Author’s creation) Figure 7: Switching behavior (Source: Author’s creation) From the graph, it is evident that irrespective of the age group, the respondents are not cautious regarding switching off the unused appliances in Qatar as they do in the UK. The reason behind this behaviour is that the population in Qatar are not encouraged to recycle facilities and save power. In a survey conducted by Doha News, it is observed that about 50% of the respondents do not switch off the TV or main switch before leaving home; one-third of the respondents do not even switch off the air-condition and one of 25 of them actually have timer function (Walker, 2015). Question 6: Comparing between your life in the UK and Qatar, do you think you are more careful about your energy consumption in the UK? Age   18-24 25-34 35 and over Total Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count comparing between your life in the UK and Qatar, do you think you are more careful about your energy consumption in the UK? yes 77.8% 77 66.7% 26 45.5% 5 72.5% 108 no 22.2% 22 33.3% 13 54.5% 6 27.5% 41 Total 100.0% 99 100.0% 39 100.0% 11 100.0% 149 Figure 8: Comparing energy consumption in the UK and Qatar (Source: Author’s creation) Figure 9: Comparing consumption of energy in the UK and Qatar (Source: Author’s creation) The respondents irrespective of their age group are of the opinion that the people in the UK are more careful in consuming energy as compared to Qatar. This opinion is supported by the survey carried out by Doha News in 2015 (Walker, 2015). It revealed that the lack of energy efficiency in Qatar have heavily subsidized the utilities for the nationals, as a result they do not have to spend much after energy consumption. Hence, the nationals in Qatar are ignorant to save energy; as they do not switch off the TV or AC before they leave home (Walker, 2015). It can be stated that the availability and price of the energy have impacted the behaviour of people in Qatar and the UK. Question 7: Do you like to use renewable energy such as solar panels in your house in Qatar? Age   18-24 25-34 35 and over Total Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count Do you like to use renewable energy such as solar panels in your house in Qatar? yes 84.5% 82 83.8% 31 80.0% 8 84.0% 121 no 15.5% 15 16.2% 6 20.0% 2 16.0% 23 Total 100.0% 97 100.0% 37 100.0% 10 100.0% 144 Figure 10: Prefer to use renewable energy in Qatar (Source: Author’s creation) Figure 11: Preference towards using renewable energy (Source: Author’s creation) The graph depicts that the respondents prefer to use renewable energy in their houses in Qatar as they are ready to save energy like they do in the UK. Qatar government has announced to build a 1.8 GW solar power plant by 2020 so as to provide the population with alternative source of energy and save electricity (­Qatar Today, 2014). The Qatar National Vision 2030 aims at harnessing abundance of solar energy as the main source of renewable energy (­Qatar Today, 2014). Question 8: Do you normally switch off the energy applications when you go out in the UK? Age   18-24 25-34 35 and over Total Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count Do you normally switch off the energy appliances (e.g. light/heating) when you go out in the UK? yes 92.9% 92 89.5% 34 90.9% 10 91.9% 136 no 7.1% 7 10.5% 4 9.1% 1 8.1% 12 Total 100.0% 99 100.0% 38 100.0% 11 100.0% 148 Figure 12: Switch of the energy appliances (Source: Author’s creation) Figure 13: Switch off the energy appliances (Source: Author’s creation) According to the respondents of age group 18-24 years, they have the habit of switching off the energy appliances before leaving home. However, according to a survey conducted by Energy Saving Trust, the people in Britain can save about £1.7 billion by switching off the appliances in a year. It is observed that about 74% of the population in the UK are worried regarding the energy bills (Energy Saving Trust, 2014). Hence, there are several campaigns in the UK for reducing the use of extra energy by spreading awareness to save energy. There are campaigns for checking great British Appliances. Thus, it can be stated that though the respondents are quite positive about the feedback but the real figure showed a different scenario, where the households need to take necessary steps for cutting down the energy bills (Energy Saving Trust, 2014). Summary From the above questionnaire analysis, it is evident that the age of the respondents is not closely related to their behavior of consumption of energy. Awareness regarding the renewable energy is mainly observed among the age group 18-24 years. However, the other age groups are also conscious about conservation of energy in the UK as compared to Qatar. Gender Gender is also another important socio-demographic feature in a survey. The opinion of the gender can be divided into two parts: male and female. Through the survey the both of their opinions are collected and analyzed in order to point out at the main areas of difference as they have different bent of mind. In this questionnaire survey, the opinion of both the genders is valued. Question 1 gender Female  Male  Total Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count Are you interested in the subject of renewable energy?   yes 85.0% 51 81.9% 68 83.2% 119 no 15.0% 9 18.1% 15 16.8% 24 Total 100.0% 60 100.0% 83 100.0% 143 Figure 14: Interested in the subject of renewable energy (Source: Author’s creation) Figure 15: Response for the interest in renewable energy (Source: Author’s creation) An interesting can be depicted from the graph provided above i.e. female are more interested in the concept of renewable energy. The reason behind this can be their interest in household works as they are concerned about the rising electricity bills, which have become an overburden for their family. Question 2 gender Female  Male  Total Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count Do you have an idea about the environmental damaged caused a result of hydro and fuel based power plants?  yes 57.1% 36 65.1% 56 61.7% 92 no 42.9% 27 34.9% 30 38.3% 57 Total 100.0% 63 100.0% 86 100.0% 149 Figure 16: Idea about environmental damage (Source: Author’s creation) Figure 17: Environmental damage (Source: Author’s creation) It is observed that higher percentage of male respondents have the knowledge of environmental damage that is caused by the hydro and fuel based power plants. This is due to the increased knowledge and awareness of the male regarding the issues that can be experienced by the country if the damages are not rectified (Union of Concerned Scientists, 2008). Question 3 gender Female  Male  Total Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count During your stay in the UK do you pay your electricity and gas bills yourself? yes 93.5% 58 89.7% 78 91.3% 136 no 6.5% 4 10.3% 9 8.7% 13 Total 100.0% 62 100.0% 87 100.0% 149 Figure 18: Payment of the bills (Source: Author’s creation) Figure 19: Payment of bills (Source: Author’s creation) From the above figure, it is evident that both female and male respondents pay their electricity and gas bills by themselves, which signifies the fact they are quite aware regarding the maximum consumption of the energy and its price. Question 4 gender Female  Male  Total Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count Do you think the prices of energy are equal throughout the UK? yes 41.0% 25 33.3% 28 36.6% 53 no 59.0% 36 66.7% 56 63.4% 92 Total 100.0% 61 100.0% 84 100.0% 145 Both the genders are quite aware of the fact that price of energy is not same in different parts of the UK. This is mainly due the different prices that are demanded by the suppliers of energy throughout the UK. The prices differ based on the proximity of the destination and source of the energy supply. Question 5 gender Female  Male  Total Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count When you are in Qatar do you follow the same behaviour of switching off the energy appliances (e.g. light/heating) in the UK? yes 48.4% 30 43.5% 37 45.6% 67 no 51.6% 32 56.5% 48 54.4% 80 Total 100.0% 62 100.0% 85 100.0% 147 Figure 20: Switching behaviour of individuals in Qatar (Source: Author’s creation) Figure 21: Switching behaviour in Qatar (Source: Author’s creation) Half of the female respondents are aware of the situation in Qatar; however, they do not prefer to waste energy and want to follow the same habit that they follow in the UK i.e. switch off the appliances when ever not required. The situation in Qatar is quite different from that the UK, as the population in Qatar is not encouraged to use recycling facilities and save power. The price of energy is also subsidized, which does not add up to the cost of energy for the people; hence they are not quite aware of excessive power consumption. Question 6 gender Female  Male  Total Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count comparing between your life in the UK and Qatar, do you think you are more careful about your energy consumption in the UK? yes 76.2% 48 70.1% 61 72.7% 109 no 23.8% 15 29.9% 26 27.3% 41 Total 100.0% 63 100.0% 87 100.0% 150 Figure 22: Comparison of life between UK and Qatar (Source: Author’s creation) Both female and male respondents are aware of the energy consumption limits and their prices in the UK and Qatar; hence it is easy for the respondents to compare the two conditions. Hence, they are more cautious about energy consumption in the UK as the prices are high as compared to Qatar. Though the population in the UK are aware of energy conservation, yet again they are worried about the high energy bills as they have consumed high level of energy. It is observed that the people in Britain can save about £ 1.7 billion per annum if they switch off the unused appliances when they leave home (Energy Saving Trust, 2014). Hence, a lot of improvements are also needed in the UK as compared to Qatar, where campaigns for energy consumption are highly required (Energy Saving Trust, 2014). Question 7 gender Female  Male  Total Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count Do you like to use renewable energy such as solar panels in your house in Qatar? yes 87.1% 54 81.9% 68 84.1% 122 no 12.9% 8 18.1% 15 15.9% 23 Total 100.0% 62 100.0% 83 100.0% 145 Figure 23: Use of solar panels (Source: Author’s creation) Majority of the male and female respondents are aware of the use of renewable energy and hence they have responded that they will prefer to use renewable energy in Qatar in order to save energy consumption. Moreover, Qatar government has encouraged solar power projects by 2020 so as to provide alternative solutions of energy to the population (­Qatar Today, 2014). Question 8 gender Female  Male  Total Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count Do you normally switch off the energy appliances (e.g. light/heating) when you go out in the UK? yes 92.1% 58 91.9% 79 91.9% 137 no 7.9% 5 8.1% 7 8.1% 12 Total 100.0% 63 100.0% 86 100.0% 149 Figure 24: Switching of the energy (Source: Author’s creation) Both the female and male respondents of the questionnaire survey have replied that they generally switch off the energy appliances when they leave home. The switching behaviour is closely related with the price and consumption of electricity. Summary With respect to gender, the responses indicate that it has influence the behaviour of the individuals regarding conservation of energy; both are equally aware of the fact that energy can be conserved in the long run so as to reduce the electricity bills. Hence, there no direct relation between the gender and people behaviour as majority of the respondents have experienced rise in electricity bills, which have forced them to consume less energy. How long have you been in the UK Question 1 How long have you been in the UK? for  less than year 1-2 years 2-4 years more than 4 Total Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count Are you interested in the subject of renewable energy?   yes 85.2% 23 82.0% 50 81.8% 36 90.9% 10 83.2% 119 no 14.8% 4 18.0% 11 18.2% 8 9.1% 1 16.8% 24 Total 100.0% 27 100.0% 61 100.0% 44 100.0% 11 100.0% 143 Figure 25: Interested in renewable energy (Source: Author’s creation) From the above figure, it can be stated that despite short or long duration of stay the respondents are aware of subject of renewable energy. Question 2 How long have you been in the UK? for  less than year 1-2 years 2-4 years more than 4 Total Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count Do you have an idea about the environmental damaged caused a result of hydro and fuel based power plants?  yes 56.7% 17 61.3% 38 65.2% 30 63.6% 7 61.7% 92 no 43.3% 13 38.7% 24 34.8% 16 36.4% 4 38.3% 57 Total 100.0% 30 100.0% 62 100.0% 46 100.0% 11 100.0% 149 Figure 26: Environmental damage (Source: Author’s creation) According to the graph, it can be stated that the respondents irrespective of their duration in the UK are aware of the environmental damage that are caused by the hydro and fuel based power plants. Question 3 How long have you been in the UK? for  less than year 1-2 years 2-4 years more than 4 Total Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count During your stay in the UK do you pay your electricity and gas bills yourself? yes 69.0% 20 96.8% 61 97.8% 45 90.9% 10 91.3% 136 no 31.0% 9 3.2% 2 2.2% 1 9.1% 1 8.7% 13 Total 100.0% 29 100.0% 63 100.0% 46 100.0% 11 100.0% 149 Figure 27: Payment of electricity bill (Source: Author’s creation) It is observed that the majority respondents who are living in the UK for less than a year do not pay the electricity and gas bills. The reason behind this behaviour can be indicated towards their tendency to change place after a certain period of time. However, with the increase in time period the payment frequency has also increased. Question 4 How long have you been in the UK? for  less than year 1-2 years 2-4 years more than 4 Total Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count Do you think the prices of energy are equal throughout the UK? yes 33.3% 9 39.3% 24 39.1% 18 18.2% 2 36.6% 53 no 66.7% 18 60.7% 37 60.9% 28 81.8% 9 63.4% 92 Total 100.0% 27 100.0% 61 100.0% 46 100.0% 11 100.0% 145 The table indicates towards the fact that respondents who are living in the UK for more than 4 years are fully aware of the prices of energy in different regions. However, the respondents living in the UK less than 4 years are not fully aware of the concept that the suppliers are charging differently in the regions. Question 5 How long have you been in the UK? for  less than year 1-2 years 2-4 years more than 4 Total Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count When you are in Qatar do you follow the same behaviour of switching off the energy appliances (e.g. light/heating) in the UK? yes 36.7% 11 45.9% 28 53.3% 24 36.4% 4 45.6% 67 no 63.3% 19 54.1% 33 46.7% 21 63.6% 7 54.4% 80 Total 100.0% 30 100.0% 61 100.0% 45 100.0% 11 100.0% 147 Figure 28: Switching behavior (Source: Author’s creation) With respect to the duration o stay in the UK, the responses to the switching behaviour of the energy appliances in the UK as compared to age and genders are quite different. Irrespective of the duration of stay in the UK the respondents do not follow the same behaviour of switching of the appliances in Qatar as they do in the UK. Question 6 How long have you been in the UK? for  less than year 1-2 years 2-4 years more than 4 Total Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count comparing between your life in the UK and Qatar, do you think you are more careful about your energy consumption in the UK? yes 80.0% 24 71.4% 45 71.7% 33 63.6% 7 72.7% 109 no 20.0% 6 28.6% 18 28.3% 13 36.4% 4 27.3% 41 Total 100.0% 30 100.0% 63 100.0% 46 100.0% 11 100.0% 150 Figure 29: Comparison of energy consumption (Source: Author’s creation) The respondents are quite sure about the fact that they are careful regarding energy consumption in the UK as compared to Qatar. Question 7 How long have you been in the UK? for  less than year 1-2 years 2-4 years more than 4 Total Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count Do you like to use renewable energy such as solar panels in your house in Qatar? yes 93.3% 28 83.1% 49 84.4% 38 63.6% 7 84.1% 122 no 6.7% 2 16.9% 10 15.6% 7 36.4% 4 15.9% 23 Total 100.0% 30 100.0% 59 100.0% 45 100.0% 11 100.0% 145 Figure 30: Use of solar panels (Source: Author’s creation) The figure significantly indicates towards the fact that the respondents will prefer to use renewable energy in Qatar in order to save excessive consumption of energy; this will also save the consumption level and cost to the individuals. Question 8 How long have you been in the UK? for  less than year 1-2 years 2-4 years more than 4 Total Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count Column N % Count Do you normally switch off the energy appliances (e.g. light/heating) when you go out in the UK? yes 96.7% 29 90.3% 56 93.5% 43 81.8% 9 91.9% 137 no 3.3% 1 9.7% 6 6.5% 3 18.2% 2 8.1% 12 Total 100.0% 30 100.0% 62 100.0% 46 100.0% 11 100.0% 149 Figure 31: Switch off the appliances (Source: Author’s creation) In the above figure, it is clearly stated that irrespective of the duration of stay in the UK, the respondents are aware of energy conservation and as a result they prefer to switch off the unused energy appliances when they are not at home. Summary It is clear from the discussion that there is no significant relationship between duration of stay in the UK and people behavior as majority of the respondents are aware of the issues that are arising in the UK and Qatar due to excessive consumption of energy. Overall Summary The analysis highlighted the explanations against the main hypothesis that energy cost has influenced people behavior in the UK. The hypothesis is proved to be true but have failed to discover any relation between duration, age and gender with people behavior. Reference list Dobronte, A., 2013. The Importance Of Socio-Demographics In Online Surveys. [online] Available at: < https://www.checkmarket.com/2013/08/the-importance-of-socio-demographics-in-online-surveys/ > [Accessed 8 March 2015]. Energy Saving Trust, 2014. Brits Could Save £1.7 Billion A Year By Switching Appliances Off Standby. [online] Available at: < http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/news/brits-could-save-%C2%A317-billion-year-switching-appliances-standby > [Accessed 8 March 2015]. ­Qatar Today, 2014. The Future Is Powered By Solar Energy. [online] Available at: < http://www.qatartodayonline.com/the-future-is-powered-by-solar-energy/ > [Accessed 8 March 2015]. UK Power Limited, 2015. Regional Gas And Electricity Prices. [online] Available at: < http://www.ukpower.co.uk/regional_energy_prices > [Accessed 8 March 2015]. Union of Concerned Scientists, 2008. Environmental Impacts of Hydroelectric Power. [online] Available at: < http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/our-energy-choices/renewable-energy/environmental-impacts-hydroelectric-power.html#.VP0yDHyUde8 > [Accessed 8 March 2015]. Walker, L., 2015. Survey: Qatar Residents Seeking More Recycling Facilities. [online] Available at: < http://dohanews.co/survey-qatar-households-sparks-calls-recycling/ > [Accessed 8 March 2015]. Read More