Individual behaviour in emergency evacuations of campus buildings: an empirical analysis based on field experiments

Abstract

Individual differences in evacuation behaviour are influenced by multiple factors. There is an ongoing debate regarding the extent to which herd behaviour affects evacuation decisions. These contrasting perspectives highlight the complexity of herd behaviour and its dual role as a potential facilitator and hindrance during evacuation. To address these challenges, this study first investigated the triggering mechanisms of herding behaviour through questionnaires and video recordings. Second, it further explored the impact of herding behaviour on evacuation paths and decision-making using questionnaires and text mining. Finally, it conducts a cognitive analysis of evacuation decisions made by individuals exhibiting herding behaviour using eye trackers, uniquely capturing attention patterns and cognitive processes at the micro-level. This study analyzed the factors influencing individual behaviour during emergency evacuations in public buildings, focusing on the triggers of herd behaviour and its impact on evacuation decision-making. Using a combination of real evacuation drills and advanced data collection methods, typical evacuation behaviours were observed to identify the key patterns. Data was gathered through video recordings, questionnaires, and interviews to explore underlying behavioural mechanisms, while eye-tracking technology monitored attention distribution during evacuations. The results indicate that herd behaviour is especially prominent at higher-floor intersections, where individuals seek more evacuation information and tend to follow the path of the majority. Their cognitive sequence involves observing the surrounding walls, followers within their field of vision, and, finally, the ground. This suggests that individuals first scan their environment to gather information. When the environment is unclear, such as in low visibility, they focus more on the surrounding groups. Further statistical analysis and text mining indicated that personality traits significantly influenced the likelihood of herd behaviour. For example, extraverted individuals are more prone to following others in such situations. However, this herding tendency can lead to suboptimal decision-making, such as overlooking direct evacuation routes clearly marked by signage. Moreover, this study highlights the unique role of female leaders with strong directional awareness in facilitating orderly evacuations, thereby demonstrating the value of leadership dynamics during crises. These findings provide both theoretical and practical insights. On a theoretical level, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the behavioral mechanisms underlying emergency evacuations. Practically, it offers recommendations for optimizing building design and emergency management strategies, thereby enhancing public safety during evacuations.

Date of Award	13 Jul 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Nottingham
Supervisor	Isaac Yu Fat Lun (Supervisor), Runqi Liang (Supervisor) & Yupeng Wu (Supervisor)