Researchers introduced an intervention to reduce energy consumption in a factory in the Netherlands. Which of the following aspects of their intervention had the greatest (positive) impact on energy use?
A) placing announcements in company magazines
B) providing weekly feedback on a unit's consumption
C) offering cash incentives for energy-saving measures
D) providing comparative feedback on other units' consumption

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Providing comparative feedback on other units' consumption had the greatest positive impact on energy use. This method created a sense of competition among the units, which motivated them to reduce their energy consumption. The other methods (announcements in company magazines, weekly feedback, and cash incentives) were also used in the intervention but did not have as significant of an impact as providing comparative feedback.

Researchers Introduced an Intervention to Reduce Energy Consumption in a Factory