Environmental Psychology and Environmental Protection (VPUPK_437)
About Study Course
Objective
The aim of the study course is to develop for students a scientifically sound and critical understanding of the interaction between human and physical, social and natural environments as the central research direction of environmental psychology, theoretical models of human behaviour, attitudes and motivation, their psychological and social foundations, as well as the research methods of these interactions and their application in professional environmental protection and sustainable development practices.
Prerequisites
The course aims to develop students’ scientifically grounded and critical understanding of human–environment interactions as the central focus of environmental psychology, including theoretical models of human behavior, attitudes, and motivation, the principles of environmental protection, and the research methods used to study these phenomena,as well as their application in professional practice.
Learning outcomes
1.1. Defines environmental psychology and environmental protection as empirical and interdisciplinary areas of research, the object and importance of their research within the meaning of human behaviour, attitudes and interaction with the environment.
2. Explains the place of human-environmental interaction in the overall structure of psychology, social and natural sciences, as well as their interdependence with other scientific sectors such as architecture, urban planning and sustainability studies.
3. Describe central concepts in environmental psychology (perception, experience, location identity, ecological identity, behaviour, attitudes, motivation, social norms) and environmental protection (sustainable action, policy and regulatory principles, community participation).
4. Describes the historical development of the fields of environmental psychology and environmental protection and the main theoretical directions, emphasising the importance of empirical, interdisciplinary and neuropsychological approaches.
5. Identify environmental psychology and behavioural research methods (experimental methods, observations, surveys, interviews, neuropsychological and behavioural data collection methods) and their possibilities and limitations.
6. Describes the circulation of scientific information in environmental psychology and environmental protection, including basic principles of academic integrity, data reproducibility and ethics.
7. Explains the basic principles of data collection, processing, analysis and security in environmental psychology and behavioural research, including aspects of scientific integrity and data protection.
8. Describes areas where environmental psychology and environmental protection expertise are practically applied, including urban planning, architecture, education, environmental policy, entrepreneurship and public involvement in sustainable initiatives.
1.1. Analyze scientific texts in environmental psychology and environmental protection, identifying research objectives,
methods, and key findings regarding human–environment interactions.
2. Interpret core concepts of environmental psychology (e.g., perception, experience, place identity, ecological identity,
behavior, attitudes, motivation) in the context of different theoretical approaches.
3. Compare theoretical models of environmental psychology and environmental protection using historical and
contemporary perspectives on human behavior, society, and sustainability.
4. Evaluate the suitability of research methods in environmental psychology for specific research questions, including
behavioral observations, surveys, interviews, and neuropsychological approaches.
5. Apply information retrieval strategies in scientific databases, identifying research in environmental psychology, behavior,
and sustainability.
6. Evaluate the reliability of information about human behavior and human–environment interactions in scientific and public
discourse, including AI-generated content.
7. Use digital tools responsibly in academic work, ensuring compliance with academic integrity, data protection, and ethical
principles in environmental psychology and environmental protection research.
1.1. Integrate knowledge of environmental psychology, human behaviour, attitudes, motivation and principles of environmental protection into a common understanding of human-environmental interaction.
2. The different theoretical approaches to environmental psychology and environmental protection are critically compared, assessing their methodological rationale and their empirical evidence base.
3. A distinction is made between scientific research into environmental psychology and environmental protection and professional practice, public perceptions and popular scientific information on human behaviour and sustainability.
4. Assess the feasibility and limitations of research and application of environmental psychology and environmental protection in various contexts of professional activity, including urban environment, education, entrepreneurship and societal initiatives.
5. Critical and responsible use of digital tools, data analysis and artificial intelligence in environmental psychology and behavioural research, as well as academic activity.
6. Integrates understanding of the regulation of professional activities, ethics and principles of public participation when dealing with human behaviour, attitudes and environmental protection.
7. Establish an academic professional identity based on empirical, critical and evidence-based understanding of human-environmental interaction, sustainable behaviour and societal behaviour in an environmental context.
