1.1 Emerging discipline of environmental psychology

Question 1

Three forms of relationship between person and physical environment

Answer 1

1. Environment guides and constrains behavior.
2. Long term exposure to general conditions may exert generalized effects (crowding)
3. Behavior is oriented toward environment and people adjust to environment.

Question 2

The environment as a source of affect (3):

Answer 2

1. Affect evoked by stimulus characteristics (e.g., complexity, diversity, novelty, category)
2. Environment determines approach and avoidance reactions (moving, migrating, holiday destinations)
3. Adaptation (“man is at once a seeker and neutralizer of stimulation”)

Question 3

Other sources that effect behavior (3)

Answer 3

1. Individual differences in, e.g., sensation seeking, environmental concern, etc.
2. Attitude formation and attitude change regarding environmental problems
3. Problems that seem environmental but are primarily social, economic, educational (slums, ghetto’s)