Regional variation in preferences for vernacular houses

This paper tests 2 theories of relevance to design review and design guidel ines. In Study I, a between-subjects design, 111 college students in Connec ticut and 93 college students in Ohio judged goodness of example, familiari ty, or preference for 6 houses. The results failed to uncover differences i n response related to local experience, suggesting that global features of the houses may overcome local experience. In Study 2, a within-subjects des ign, 110 students from Connecticut and 49 from Ohio rated goodness of examp le, familiarity, and preference for the same 6 houses. Results indicate min or effects of goodness of example and familiarity on preference. The result s show preference as multidimensional, reflecting knowledge structure, phys ical features, and connotative meanings.