Structural Equation Model to Analyze Sociodemographics, Activity Participation, and Trip Chaining between Household Heads

Abstract

Research in developed countries has demonstrated a significant relationship between activity participation and travel behavior. Less work has been done in China, a typical developing country. Data from an activity–travel survey of 1,205 households in Shangyu, China, were used for a simultaneous structural equation model analysis of sociodemographics, activity participation, and trip chaining between household heads. Model estimation results show that activity participation is strongly correlated to trip chaining characteristics. Additionally, interactions exist between male and female household heads. It was found that the sociodemographics of male and female heads not only directly affected trip chaining but also indirectly influenced trip chaining behavior through activity participation. The findings of the study provide useful insight into the within-personal and cross-personal interactions of activity–travel behaviors between male and female heads in China.