The Effects of Population Density and Noise, Research Paper Example

Space, Privacy, Noise, and Territoriality

Noisy, crowded places can impact the way people behave. An investigation of how population and noise affect people will help increase understanding about the consequences of such envoronments on individuals. As such, the concepts of territoriality, privacy and personal space are described. An examination of how these concepts become more important as population increases will be conducted. Furthermore, the effect natural surroundings have on people who live in cities is clarified. Also, the concept of noise and its impact on people is described. Finally, two strategies for noise reduction in the workplace or living space are examined.

First, territoriality is described in concept. Territoriality are the collective set of behaviors organisms use to defend areas are perceives as necessary for their survival (Clayton & Meyers, 2009). In humans, these instincts can be so strong that they result in aggression toward people who are perceived as threatening one’s minimum necessary space. Usually, such behaviors are geared toward protecting oneself, personal property, or family and friends. Nevertheless, it is but one of the three concepts described here.

Next, privacy is described in concept. Privacy is the limits people set up to keep certain information about them or associates confidential (Clayton & Meyers, 2009). This can mean behaviors that prevent others from knowing one’s private thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. When privacy boundaries are crossed, sometimes territoriality behaviors are engaged such that frustration and aggression become viable responses for some people in certain situations. Privacy is the second of three related concepts described.

Now, personal space is described in concept. Personal space means the minimum area around the body at which people feel comfortable having others near (Kennedy, Glascher & Adolphs, 2009). This is usually described as some sort of invisible bubble within which we feel safe. This bubble can fluctuate in size depending on the other people involved and the situation at hand, and encroachment upon that space may result in territorial behavior. Territoriality, privacy, and personal space are three concepts that have been described as part of this investigation.

Furthermore, an examination of how these concepts become more important as population increases is conducted. The way population density impacts people in many ways (Clayton & Meyers, 2009). Sometimes, when people do not have enough space to themselves it can cause certain psychological problems such as anxiety that can reach clinical proportions. It has been shown that places that are too crowded tend to result in higher rates of death for people in general and lower rates of survival for babies. As such, measures should be taken to prevent these consequences.

That being said, the effect of natural surroundings have on people who live in cities is clarified. It has been shown that parks and zoos are associated with better health in populations, but scientist are not sure exactly why (Clayton & Meyers, 2009). Some say it is because people would be more have ready access to resources that require physical activity. Others say that it is at least in part because of an innate need to commune with nature.

Also, the concept of noise and its impact on people is described. Too much noise has been associated with a number of maladaptive manifestations from cardiovascular disease to impaired learning in children (Kennedy, Glascher & Adolphs, 2009). What happens is that the stressful surroundings of crowded, noisy places cause the body to produce the stress hormone cortisol (Kennedy, Glascher & Adolphs, 2009). Too much cortisol over too long a time can damage ones ability to cope with stress in general. During early learning phases of development too much noise make it hard for kids to know what sounds are important. Furthermore, noise is associated with low levels of concentration and poor memory.

Finally, two strategies for noise reduction in the workplace or living space are examined. One is to partially soundproof rooms with textiles such as covering glass windows with curtains. Furthermore, carpet is known to deaden sounds made by people walking on hard floors. Another method is the implementation of sound reduction technology. Sound reduction technology includes methods of limit the impact of one sound with another. Sometimes the sounds can be synchronous, such as playing music that matches the beat of the jackhammer outside, or it they can be asynchronous, like sound of running water to shed the noise of someone partying next door (Pro Audio Support, 2010). These are two different measures by which one can help control the impact of noise in an indoor environment.

An investigation of how population and noise affect people will help increase understanding about the consequences of such envoronments on individuals. As such, the concepts of territoriality, privacy and personal space are described. An examination of how these concepts become more important as population increases will be conducted. Furthermore, the effect natural surroundings have on people who live in cities has been clarified. Also, the concept of noise and its impact on people has been described. Finally, two strategies for noise reduction in the workplace or living space have been examined. What has been found is that a certain amount of territorial behavior is common in humans. Furthemore, most people try to maintain a certain amount of personal space. As such, communing with nature is sometimes helpful in mitigating everyday stressors such as noise and crowding. Nevertheless, as with much of our own well-being, it is incumbent upon each of us to maintain a healthy level of comfort.

References

Clayton, S. & Meyers, G. (2009). Conservation psychology. Hoboken: Wiley-Blackwell.

Kennedy, D. Glascher, J. & Adolphs, R. (2009). Personal space regulation by human amygdala. Nature Neuroscience, 12(10): 1226-1227.

Pro Audio Support. (2010). What is auditory masking? Retrieved from http://proaudiosupport.com/a42926/auditory-masking.html