Lecture 3 Flashcards
Environmental psychology definition (general)
about 50 yrs old
study of transactions between individuals and their physical setting
what does environmental psychology say what happens during transactions?
individuals change the environment & in turn their behavior and experiences are changed by the environment
environmental psychology aims
theory, research, practice wants to
make buildings more humane
improve relationship with the natural environment
EP as a field stimulated by recognition of what
environmental problems ie sustainability, pollution, energy shortages, unsuitable buildings
what makes EP dinstinct?
that it includes both science and application
Gifford definition of environment
natural settings, natural resources, national parks, wilderness, wildlife, climate, and built settings
focuses on individuals and small groups
two forms of knowledge in EP
theory and research findings
EP theory (generally)
provides coherent framework for understanding problematic human- environment transactions
what does knowledge of research studies serve to do in EP?
correct misconceptions about transactions
who was first to use the term EP and what did he advocate?
Egon Brunswik
suggested wider array of environmental stimuli included in research designs
what is Kurt Lewin known for?
field theory
action research linking scientific research to real social change
social environment crucial, physical one not stressed
Roger Barker and Herbert Wright 1947
started large/long lasting project studying behavior settings enclosing every day human behavior
Barker and Wright behavior settings definiton
include both social rules and physical spatial aspects of our daily lives
what do stimulation theories conceptualize?
physical environment as crucial source of sensory info/simple stimuli like light, color, sound, noise, heat AND more complex (buildings)
stimulation theory - adaptation level
indivs adapt to certain levels of stimulation in certain contexts
stimulation that differs from ones adaptation level changes ones perceptions and behavior
stimulation theory - overload theory
looks at effects of too much stimulation
too little stim = problems
stimulation theories - stress theories
help explain behavior & health effects when environmental stim exceeds indiv adaptive resources
different types of stressors
acute
ambient
daily hassles
stimulation theories - phenomenology
personal meanings given to place are essential to experience of an environment
we treat places without meaning different than meaningful ones
what do control theories examine
how much control we actually have over environmental stimulation
relationship between control theories, personal space, territoriality
in everyday social transactions, we attempt to achieve personal control through boundary regulation like personal space and territoriality
behavior setting theory - programs definiton
consistent prescribed patterns of behavior
human interdependence paradigm framework
for understanding why and when we make which decisions
decision making theories assertion
make ourselves and others more aware of the nonconcious decisions we make that degrade the environment