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6: Nature or Nurture? Role of

the Nat. Environ. in Understanding

Human Behavior in Leisure Settings

Dennis B. Propst

PRR 320, Class 6

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Introduction

Handouts» Readings for Thurs.» Exam One Study ?’s (2/8)

– study groups– sign-up sheet

Comments on 4 Boxes Exercise Finish Pieces You’ll Need in Your Obs.

Plans (Feb. 12)

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Obs. Plans: 6 Pieces

Purpose Objectives Behaviors Sampling Plan

Recording Form *** How to Conceal Presence

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Recording Forms Behaviors Other Information (don’t necessarily

need all)» location, date, time of the act» other activities» gender, weather, age classes» type of group» observer name» comments (very important)

Pretest it! Examples Homework Assignment

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Nature or Nurture?

Humans are information processors (evolution, learning theory, common sense, cogn. psych.)

Affects human behavior Affects leisure behavior Nature

» natural world, “wilderness”» parks, rec. areas, forests, etc.» gardens» private sector tourism» access» views

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Some Common Human

Characteristics

Walk upright, visually oriented Information Processors

» gather much info. from E’s» react, act rapidly» process: recognize, predict,

evaluate, act with EMOTION» adaptive/survival

Advanced use of tools We like to explore

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Common Human traits (cont’d.)

Long periods of play Prefer certain kinds of natural

environments Ambivalent Violent

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Basic Human “Needs” -- biological & social

more than food, water, shelter, sex also: Driver’s “satisfactions”,

Dumazedier’s purposes , Neulinger’s paradigm» social interaction, self-esteem, love» self-development, self-interest» perceived control, prediction, choice,

order» escape» competence, mastery» privacy, territory» hope» community» intrinsic motivation

compensation & spillover

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What This Means

Our course model, P=Antecedents Also E and O Why we like TV Why we like nature

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Next Steps

observation homework sign-up for study group if you want to