Chapter 9 Flashcards
(22 cards)
What influences how environmental factors affect us?
Social-psychological factors
These factors include enjoyment of noise and perceived control over it.
How do natural environments affect cognitive processing?
They are processed more easily due to their fractal patterns, requiring less cognitive resources
Fractal patterns are self-similar and are easier for the brain to process.
What is the role of environmental psychologists?
To help plan construction and offer advice tailored to the needs of people
This involves adapting building designs to enhance well-being and performance.
What is global warming?
An increase in the Earth’s average temperature due to greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel combustion
Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere.
What does indirect energy use refer to?
The energy needed to produce, transport, and dispose of goods
This includes the entire lifecycle of energy consumption.
What are the key factors psychologists need to know to develop effective interventions for environmental issues?
- Which behaviors significantly contribute to environmental problems
- Which factors cause such behavior
- Which interventions are likely to promote pro-environmental behavior
What is environmental behavior?
Behavior that changes the availability of materials or energy from the environment or alters ecosystems
This includes actions that impact the biosphere.
What does the new environmental paradigm (NEP) measure?
A person’s beliefs about the relations between humans and the environment
NEP beliefs are correlated with concern about global warming.
What are values in the context of environmental psychology?
Desirable trans-situational goals that serve as guiding principles for behavior
They vary in importance and transcend specific situations.
List the four types of values relevant for pro-environmental beliefs.
- Hedonic values
- Egoistic values
- Altruistic values
- Biospheric values
Which values are associated with increased pro-environmental behavior?
Biospheric and altruistic values
However, altruistic values may inhibit pro-environmental actions if they conflict.
What does the norm activation model (NAM) propose?
Pro-environmental behavior occurs in response to personal norms activated by awareness of consequences and outcome efficacy
Personal norms are feelings of moral obligation.
What is the value-belief-norm theory of environmentalism (VBN)?
An extension of NAM that includes awareness of consequences rooted in general beliefs about human-environment relationships
It emphasizes the connection between values and environmental actions.
How do people typically respond to high-cost pro-environmental actions?
They prioritize hedonic or egoistic goals and may use self-serving denial
This includes minimizing environmental problems or denying personal responsibility.
What are habits in the context of environmental behavior?
Goal-directed behaviors performed frequently and automatically in stable contexts
Strong habits can diminish the relationship between intentions and actual behavior.
What are the two basic ways to change behavior towards pro-environmental actions?
- Targeting perceptions, cognitions, motivations, norms
- Changing the context of decision-making
What are antecedent strategies?
Strategies that target factors preceding behavior
Examples include information campaigns, modeling, and behavioral commitments.
What is the purpose of information campaigns in promoting pro-environmental behavior?
To increase awareness and knowledge
Their effects are usually weak on their own.
What is the role of block leaders in environmental advocacy?
To inform people in their social network about specific environmental issues
They are one of the most effective informational approaches.
What are consequence strategies aimed at?
Changing the incentives following a behavior
These include pricing policies, legal measures, and product availability.
What is a pricing policy in the context of pro-environmental behavior?
Reducing costs of pro-environmental behavior or increasing costs of environmentally unfriendly behavior
This can impact moral motivation.
What is the significance of feedback in promoting behavioral change?
It informs individuals about the success of their behavior changes, especially when provided frequently and immediately
Feedback can enhance motivation for pro-environmental actions.
