Week 2

Question 1

What are some psychological effects of urban living, according to ‘The Experience of Living in Cities’?

Answer 1

Urban living is associated with higher stress levels, reduced social cohesion, and increased risk of mental health issues.

Question 2

How does urban density influence social interactions?

Answer 2

High urban density can lead to crowding, reducing opportunities for meaningful social interactions and increasing perceived stress.

Question 3

How does politeness manifest differently in urban versus rural environments?

Answer 3

In urban environments, politeness is often more formal and impersonal due to the fast-paced nature and higher population density.

Question 4

What role does anonymity play in urban politeness?

Answer 4

Anonymity in cities can reduce the perceived need for politeness as individuals are less likely to encounter the same people repeatedly.

Question 5

What factors contribute to aggression and violence in inner-city areas?

Answer 5

Factors include socio-economic disparities, lack of resources, and environmental stressors such as noise and crowding.

Question 6

How does environmental design influence aggression in urban settings?

Answer 6

Poorly designed spaces with limited visibility and escape routes can increase the likelihood of aggression and crime.

Question 7

What is the Broken Windows Theory?

Answer 7

It suggests that visible signs of disorder, such as graffiti or litter, can lead to further antisocial behaviors and crime.

Question 8

How can cities address the spread of disorder effectively?

Answer 8

Maintaining clean and orderly public spaces and enforcing regulations against minor offenses can reduce the spread of disorder.

Question 9

What are the benefits of integrating nature into urban environments?

Answer 9

Benefits include improved mental health, reduced stress, enhanced physical activity, and stronger community ties.

Question 10

What is an example of biophilic design in urban areas?

Answer 10

Green rooftops, urban parks, and vertical gardens are examples of biophilic design that bring nature into cityscapes.

Question 11

What did the study on crowding in trains reveal about personal space?

Answer 11

Immediate seating density had a stronger impact on stress levels than overall train car density.

Question 12

How does personal space invasion affect commuters’ stress levels?

Answer 12

Personal space invasion increases physiological stress indicators such as cortisol levels and reduces comfort.

Question 13

What does the environmental range concept reveal about serial rapists?

Answer 13

It shows that their criminal activities are often confined to familiar areas where they feel a sense of control.

Question 14

How can understanding environmental range assist law enforcement?

Answer 14

It helps in geographic profiling to predict and prevent future crimes based on past patterns.

Question 14

What is an example of urban stress caused by noise pollution?

Answer 14

Constant traffic noise in densely populated neighborhoods can lead to sleep disturbances and chronic stress.

Question 15

How do green spaces help mitigate mental health issues in cities?

Answer 15

Access to parks and community gardens provides residents with a space to relax, reducing anxiety and depression.

Question 16

What is an example of impersonal politeness in urban settings?

Answer 16

Holding an elevator door for strangers without initiating a conversation demonstrates impersonal politeness.

Question 17

How does public transport etiquette reflect urban politeness?

Answer 17

Offering your seat to an elderly person or maintaining silence on a crowded subway shows consideration for others.

Question 18

What urban design features reduce the likelihood of aggression?

Answer 18

Well-lit streets, visible security cameras, and open layouts in public spaces help deter criminal behavior.

Question 19

What is a real-world example of socio-economic disparity leading to violence?

Answer 19

Gentrification in low-income areas often leads to tensions and conflicts between long-term residents and newcomers.

Question 20

How did New York City apply the Broken Windows Theory?

Answer 20

By cracking down on minor offenses like graffiti and fare evasion in the 1990s, New York City reduced overall crime rates.

Question 21

What is an example of disorder spreading in public spaces?

Answer 21

A park with overflowing trash bins often attracts more littering and vandalism over time.

Question 22

What is an example of urban nature improving physical health?

Answer 22

Cities like Copenhagen encourage cycling with dedicated bike lanes, promoting physical activity among residents.

Question 23

How do urban forests enhance biodiversity?

Answer 23

Urban forests, such as Singapore’s city trees, provide habitats for birds and insects, fostering ecological diversity.

Question 24

What is an example of stress reduction in crowded public transport?

Answer 24

Introducing staggered work hours can reduce peak-hour congestion, improving commuter experiences.

Question 25

How does train design impact commuter comfort?

Answer 25

Providing wider aisles and priority seating areas helps maintain personal space, reducing stress in crowded trains.

Question 26

How is geographic profiling used in crime prevention?

Answer 26

Law enforcement uses patterns of past crimes to predict the likely area of residence or future activity of a criminal.

Question 27

What is an example of environmental range limiting criminal activity?

Answer 27

Criminals often avoid areas with heavy police surveillance or unfamiliar terrain, restricting their operational zones.

Question 28

What role do urban green spaces play in social interactions?

Answer 28

Green spaces provide venues for community gatherings, fostering social ties and reducing isolation in urban environments.

Question 29

How does air pollution in cities impact cognitive health?

Answer 29

Chronic exposure to air pollution in cities has been linked to decreased cognitive performance and increased risk of dementia.

Question 30

What is a practical strategy to promote politeness on public transport?

Answer 30

Campaigns like ‘Mind the Gap’ encourage passengers to be mindful of others, fostering polite behavior in crowded systems.

Question 31

How do cultural norms influence politeness in urban areas?

Answer 31

In some cultures, direct eye contact may be considered impolite in crowded spaces, reflecting differing social norms.

Question 32

What urban policy interventions can reduce violence in inner cities?

Answer 32

Policies that improve access to education, provide job training, and reduce poverty have been shown to lower violence rates.

Question 33

How does access to recreational facilities affect aggression levels?

Answer 33

Communities with accessible recreational facilities report lower aggression levels as they provide healthy outlets for stress.

Question 34

What is an example of how public art reduces signs of disorder?

Answer 34

Street art initiatives, such as those in Melbourne, transform graffiti-prone areas into celebrated cultural landmarks.

Question 35

How does community engagement combat disorder?

Answer 35

Neighborhood watch programs and community clean-up days increase social accountability and reduce visible disorder.

Question 36

What is an example of integrating biodiversity into urban planning?

Answer 36

Singapore’s Supertree Grove incorporates living plants into its architecture, promoting urban biodiversity.

Question 37

How do green roofs contribute to sustainability in cities?

Answer 37

Green roofs reduce urban heat, lower energy consumption, and provide habitats for urban wildlife.

Question 38

What role does train scheduling play in reducing crowding?

Answer 38

Introducing more frequent off-peak train services helps distribute passenger loads and reduces crowding stress.

Question 39

How does cultural variation affect responses to personal space invasion?

Answer 39

In some cultures, physical proximity in public spaces is normalized, reducing the perception of personal space invasion.

Question 40

What is the significance of ‘activity spaces’ in environmental profiling?

Answer 40

Activity spaces refer to areas where individuals feel comfortable and familiar, which often influence their behavioral patterns.

Question 41

How does environmental range theory apply to other crimes?

Answer 41

It is used to predict likely crime locations for burglary, focusing on offenders’ familiarity with the area.