CH-81-05-5 -- The Contribution of Psychological Variables to the Prediction of Thermal Comfort Judgments in Real World Settings PDF

This field research was aimed at clarifying the role of cognitive psychological variables in thermal comfort as measured by the ASHRAE Thermal Sensation Scale. Multiple regression analyses were carried out using two demographic variables, three physical environment measures, and eight psychological items as predictors, the idea being to establish the relative contribution of the latter to overall comfort prediction. Data for the main study were gathered in both classroom and office settings in as unobtrusive a manner as possible; a partial replication using an abbreviated survey was carried out exclusively in classrooms. Findings were consistent with those of an earlier study in showing the substantial impact of cognitive variables on Thermal Sensation judgments. Moreover, the data permitted some fairly specific conclusions regarding the identity of the cognitive systems underlying these effects. Possible implications of such information for energy conservation policies and future research are discussed.