Consumer education encourages critical thinking, teaches life skills, leads to self-confidence and independence, improves the quality of life, produces better-informed citizens, helps the disadvantaged make the marketplace work in their favor, and provides businesses with educated customers. (SK)

Most consumers are relatively unaware of how automobile dealerships profit from automobile finance, insurance, and warranty arrangements. Consumers should consult an attorney when buying a car--one of the largest expenditures a person will ever make. (JOW)

Looks at themes of consumer interests in Asia and comments on the directions consumer policy is taking in that region. Outlines issues facing the region's consumers, describes evolving consumer protection mechanisms, and presents a model for promoting consumer interests in the region. (JOW)

A study tried to distinguish between consumers (n=440) who bought and did not buy an extended service contract, to find out why a consumer would buy an extended service contract, and to profile those most likely to purchase one. Results showed that most consumers felt such contracts were worthwhile and offered peace of mind. (JOW)

Discusses the nature of consumer economics (the interactions between individuals and families and the markets for goods and services) and family economics (the interaction between families and work and workplace and the allocation of resources within the family). (JOW)

Focuses upon gambling, the twelfth largest industry in the United States, and its impact on families. Discusses the history of gambling, the cost of gambling, and the growth of lotteries. Suggests issues for consumer professionals to explore. (JOW)

A survey of 1,200 midwesterners received 643 replies identifying factors affecting tendency to read and use product owner's manuals: (1) product familiarity and lack of time negatively affected use; (2) having a question or problem increased use; and (3) perceived value of information (i.e., redundant or obvious information) deterred use. (SK)

The president of Consumers Union of U.S., Inc. discusses three reasons why consumers should be discontent: (1) many are struggling financially and national leaders are working to make their conditions more harsh; (2) many products result from abusive and exploitative working conditions; and (3) consumption can cause severe environmental damage.…

Responses from 209 of 1,197 consumer affairs professionals identified three areas of qualifications for the field: work experience; interpersonal/communication skills; and a college degree. Students were advised to participate in internships to gain experience. (SK)

Regulation and deregulation are situational, and public policies are too often linked to industry lobbying efforts. Consumers must be educated about whether their interests are served by regulation or deregulation. (SK)

Identifies situation in which consumers are likely to substitute rules of thumb for research, reviews rules of thumb often used as substitutes, and identifies teaching activities to help students learn when substitution is appropriate. (JOW)

Enrollment trends suggest a decline in interest in consumer studies. New curricular approaches include movement toward a root discipline such as economics or toward professional degree programs, such as consumer affairs in business or financial counseling and planning. (JOW)

Describes a faculty research project that involved undergraduate research assistants and offers recommendations to faculty considering implementing a research apprentice program. Focuses on consumer science but the process could be applied to a variety of academic disciplines. (Author/JOW)

A survey of 194 black households in a Chicago neighborhood found that one in five did not use banks, 49% had credit cards, over 75% used alternative financial services (AFS), and many used informal financial networks. Nonbank and AFS users tended to be lower income, less educated, younger, and unmarried people. Consumer education and public policy…

A survey of 710 participants in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance program found that community education programs designed to use empowerment techniques are likely to be effective. Using information based on strong arguments and sound logic and empowering participants to use the information greatly enhances the probability that participants…