VALUES AND GENERAL ATTITUDES IN A 2-STAGE MODEL OF RATIONAL BEHAVIOR - THE EXAMPLE OF ENVIRONMENTALLY APPROPRIATE TRAVEL BEHAVIOR

The function of values and attitudes for decisions is explicated in a two-stage model of human behavior. In a first step relevant alternativ es and criteria are determined. These criteria are used in the second step to choose between the alternatives. Our central hypothesis is tha t individual belief systems (value orientations and general attitudes) play an important role in the first step. Depending on their individu al belief systems, actors can produce different views of a given situa tion. The analysis of the implementation of the so-called ''Semesierti cket'' (a student pass for public transportation) at the University of Giessen confirms this hypothesis. With respect to travel-mode decisio ns the sample of students can be divided in two groups. In one group o nly economic criteria are salient. In the other group ecological crite ria are important as well. It can be shown that in the two groups the implementation of the ''Semesterticket'' has had different effects on travel-mode decisions.