Environmental psychology is a relatively new subset of psychology that explores how humans and their environments interact and influence one another. Researchers in this field study a wide range of environments, including natural physical spaces, man-made environments, social settings, learning environments and informational environments.
Several recurring concepts in environmental psychology include attention and how we notice the environment, perception and cognitive maps, environmental stressors such as noise, conservation behavior and outdoor recreation. One topic environmental psychologists are currently studying is the role of the physical environment in influencing criminal behavior, and conversely, the fear of crime.
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Several recurring concepts in environmental psychology include attention and how we notice the environment, perception and cognitive maps, environmental stressors such as noise, conservation behavior and outdoor recreation. One topic environmental psychologists are currently studying is the role of the physical environment in influencing criminal behavior, and conversely, the fear of crime.
References:
- De Young, R. (1999) Environmental Psychology. In D. E. Alexander and R. W. Fairbridge [Eds] Encyclopedia of Environmental Science. (Pp. 223-224) Hingham, MA: Kluwer Academic Publishers
- Evans, G. (1996). Current Trends in Environmental Psychology. International Association of Applied Psychology, 8(2).
- Psychology Today. (2013). Environmental Psychology. Retrieved February 13, 2013, from Psychology Today's website: http://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/environmental-psychology
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- http://www.madrimasd.org/informacionidi/noticias/images/2010/co2_arbol.jpg
- http://archive.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/obj/irc/images/ci/v7no3/photop10.jpg