Q.1 Which of the following best describes 'prospect-refuge theory' in environmental psychology?
People prefer environments where they can both see and hide
People prefer bright and colorful spaces
People avoid areas with high noise levels
People seek symmetrical architectural forms
Explanation - Prospect-refuge theory suggests humans are attracted to environments where they can observe (prospect) without being observed (refuge), linking safety and comfort.
Correct answer is: People prefer environments where they can both see and hide
Q.2 In environmental psychology, 'defensible space' primarily aims to:
Improve indoor air quality
Enhance security and reduce crime
Increase aesthetic appeal
Promote social gatherings
Explanation - Defensible space theory emphasizes designing neighborhoods and buildings to reduce crime by fostering natural surveillance and territoriality.
Correct answer is: Enhance security and reduce crime
Q.3 Which of the following design elements has the most impact on reducing stress in indoor environments?
High ceilings
Natural lighting
Neutral wall colors
Minimal furniture
Explanation - Natural light exposure positively affects mood, circadian rhythms, and stress reduction, making it a key factor in environmental design.
Correct answer is: Natural lighting
Q.4 Biophilic design focuses on:
Incorporating technology in architecture
Integrating natural elements into built environments
Using minimalistic furniture
Maximizing indoor space
Explanation - Biophilic design connects people with nature through natural light, plants, water features, and natural materials, improving well-being.
Correct answer is: Integrating natural elements into built environments
Q.5 Which psychological effect is most associated with open-plan office designs?
Increased privacy
Reduced collaboration
Higher distraction levels
Improved acoustics
Explanation - Open-plan offices often increase visual and auditory distractions, which can impact concentration and stress levels despite promoting collaboration.
Correct answer is: Higher distraction levels
Q.6 The concept of 'territoriality' in environmental psychology refers to:
Ownership of objects
Human need to mark and control spaces
Preference for green spaces
Desire for symmetry in architecture
Explanation - Territoriality reflects the human tendency to establish personal zones and mark them, which affects social behavior and environmental interactions.
Correct answer is: Human need to mark and control spaces
Q.7 Which factor is most likely to enhance wayfinding in a complex building?
Monochromatic walls
Uniform door sizes
Distinct landmarks
Low ceiling heights
Explanation - Environmental cues like landmarks, color contrasts, and signage aid orientation and wayfinding in architectural spaces.
Correct answer is: Distinct landmarks
Q.8 According to environmental psychology, noise pollution in urban environments primarily affects:
Sleep quality and stress levels
Aesthetic appreciation
Cognitive symmetry recognition
Color perception
Explanation - Chronic noise exposure can lead to sleep disturbances, increased stress, and reduced overall well-being.
Correct answer is: Sleep quality and stress levels
Q.9 Which color is generally associated with increased productivity in work environments?
Red
Blue
Black
Brown
Explanation - Blue tones are linked with calmness, focus, and productivity, while red may stimulate arousal but also stress.
Correct answer is: Blue
Q.10 In the context of environmental design, 'behavior setting theory' suggests that:
Behavior is shaped primarily by genetics
Specific environments cue predictable behaviors
All spaces evoke the same behavior
Architecture should be abstract
Explanation - Behavior setting theory posits that certain physical environments encourage specific, patterned behaviors from people.
Correct answer is: Specific environments cue predictable behaviors
Q.11 Which architectural feature is most associated with promoting social interaction?
Courtyards and communal areas
Long corridors
Private cubicles
High fences
Explanation - Designing spaces like courtyards and common areas encourages informal social interactions and community building.
Correct answer is: Courtyards and communal areas
Q.12 The term 'environmental stressors' refers to:
Factors in the environment that cause discomfort or strain
Psychological disorders linked to architecture
Aesthetic qualities of buildings
Positive motivational stimuli
Explanation - Environmental stressors include noise, crowding, poor lighting, and other physical conditions that negatively impact psychological well-being.
Correct answer is: Factors in the environment that cause discomfort or strain
Q.13 Which design principle is critical in hospitals to reduce patient stress?
Incorporating natural light and views
Using bright red interiors
Increasing noise through open wards
Minimalist furniture only
Explanation - Exposure to natural light and outdoor views has been shown to reduce stress, improve recovery times, and enhance mood in healthcare settings.
Correct answer is: Incorporating natural light and views
Q.14 Which of the following is an example of restorative environment?
A crowded subway station
A quiet park with greenery
A busy shopping mall
A noisy industrial area
Explanation - Restorative environments reduce mental fatigue and stress, often involving natural elements and peaceful settings.
Correct answer is: A quiet park with greenery
Q.15 In environmental psychology, 'sense of place' refers to:
The ability to navigate a city
Emotional attachment and meaning associated with a location
Architectural symmetry
Urban population density
Explanation - Sense of place is the subjective experience of attachment, identity, and meaning tied to a specific environment.
Correct answer is: Emotional attachment and meaning associated with a location
Q.16 Which layout in schools has been shown to promote better learning outcomes?
Flexible, open classrooms with movable furniture
Rows of fixed desks
Windowless rooms
Narrow corridors only
Explanation - Flexible learning spaces encourage collaboration, movement, and engagement, supporting modern pedagogical approaches.
Correct answer is: Flexible, open classrooms with movable furniture
Q.17 Wayfinding strategies in architecture typically include:
Signage, color coding, and spatial landmarks
Decorative wallpaper only
High ceilings exclusively
Minimalist furniture
Explanation - Wayfinding uses cues like signs, color codes, and distinctive landmarks to help people navigate complex environments effectively.
Correct answer is: Signage, color coding, and spatial landmarks
Q.18 Which factor is most important in designing environments for elderly populations?
Accessibility, safety, and visual clarity
Bright flashing lights
Complex navigation systems
Minimal lighting
Explanation - Elderly-friendly design focuses on reducing fall risk, simplifying navigation, and enhancing comfort through clear visual cues.
Correct answer is: Accessibility, safety, and visual clarity
Q.19 Which environmental feature is linked to increased creativity?
Exposure to natural environments
High noise industrial areas
Crowded office cubicles
Monotonous hallways
Explanation - Natural environments and access to greenery have been found to enhance cognitive flexibility and creative thinking.
Correct answer is: Exposure to natural environments
Q.20 In offices, which feature has been found to most significantly reduce sick building syndrome symptoms?
Improved ventilation and indoor air quality
Dark-colored furniture
Closed windows
High carpeting
Explanation - Proper ventilation reduces pollutants, allergens, and indoor contaminants, mitigating symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and respiratory issues.
Correct answer is: Improved ventilation and indoor air quality
Q.21 Which design principle aligns with environmental psychology to enhance human well-being in urban spaces?
Creating walkable green spaces
Maximizing parking areas
Tall, imposing concrete structures
Overcrowded market areas
Explanation - Walkable green spaces encourage physical activity, social interaction, and mental restoration in urban environments.
Correct answer is: Creating walkable green spaces
Q.22 The concept of 'crowding' in environmental psychology refers to:
High density leading to perceived lack of space
Beautifully decorated interiors
Use of symmetrical layouts
Number of plants in an environment
Explanation - Crowding occurs when individuals feel restricted due to high density, negatively impacting stress, social behavior, and well-being.
Correct answer is: High density leading to perceived lack of space
Q.23 Which material choice in architecture is associated with positive psychological responses?
Natural wood and stone
Concrete and steel only
Plastic panels
Metallic reflective surfaces exclusively
Explanation - Natural materials are often perceived as warm, comforting, and aesthetically pleasing, promoting positive emotional responses.
Correct answer is: Natural wood and stone
Q.24 According to Kaplan's Attention Restoration Theory, environments help restore mental fatigue if they are:
Fascinating, compatible, and offer 'soft fascination'
Brightly lit with loud sounds
Highly symmetrical and rigid
Crowded and complex
Explanation - Attention Restoration Theory states that environments allowing effortless attention (like natural settings) restore cognitive resources.
Correct answer is: Fascinating, compatible, and offer 'soft fascination'