Urban Behaviour
What Is Urban Behaviour?
Actions of individuals that reside in cities
Characteristics of Urban Behaviour Minimize expressions Minimize body contact Look before you sit Minimize eye contact When in doubt – flee or disattend
Lofland, L. H. (1973). A world of strangers: Order and action in urban public space. New York: Basic Books
Minimize Expressions
One’s facial expression should be blankAvoid laughter & tears unless in an
appropriate environment One should not sing or talk to themselves One’s clothing should not stand out as odd or
differentConversation amongst one or two other
people should not be audible to strangers in the environment
Lofland, L. H. (1973). A world of strangers: Order and action in urban public space. New York: Basic Books
Minimize Body Contact
Avoid bumping, brushing, stepping or colliding with any strangers
One should be alert to the speed with which others are at as a guide for their own actions
Follow the rule of staying to the right
Lofland, L. H. (1973). A world of strangers: Order and action in urban public space. New York: Basic Books
Look Before You Sit
Keep oneself apart from the rest Avoid seating in such a way to suggest to a stranger
that you wish to interact
Lofland, L. H. (1973). A world of strangers: Order and action in urban public space. New York: Basic Books
Minimize Eye Contact
Keep one’s eyes to oneselfAvoid accidental contact
If in a seated or waiting situation, have or look at a prop (i.e. book or cell phone)
Look at inanimate objects Wear sunglasses
Lofland, L. H. (1973). A world of strangers: Order and action in urban public space. New York: Basic Books
When In Doubt – Flee or Disattend
Keep oneself protectedAvoid coming close to others who look or
behave oddly
If one cannot flee, one should not behave in a way that suggests to the other that their behaviour is odd
Lofland, L. H. (1973). A world of strangers: Order and action in urban public space. New York: Basic Books
Eye Contact with Strangers in City, Suburb, and Small Town(Newan & McCauley)
To make eye-contact with another individual is associated with intimacy, affect, cooperation & liking
Signal for synchronizing speech & listening between two persons in conversation
Newman, J., & McCauley, C. (1977). Eye contact with strangers in city, suburb, and small town. Environment and Behavior, 9(4), 547-558. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.library.yorku.ca/docview/616269990?accountid=15182
Method
Eye contact was measured with an experimenter in three settings in Philadelphia: City, suburb & rural small town
Two locations: US post office and a nearby large store
At each of the 6 locations studied, eye contact was measured on two different days by a different experimenter
Newman, J., & McCauley, C. (1977). Eye contact with strangers in city, suburb, and small town. Environment and Behavior, 9(4), 547-558. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.library.yorku.ca/docview/616269990?accountid=15182
Procedure
The experimenter would stand 1 meter from the door of the store or post office
When a person got within 3 meters of the door, the experimenter began to look the subject in the eye
Experimenter recorded whether: Eye contact was made Subject spoke to experimenter Subject's sex Estimate of the subject's age
Experimenter were instructed to smile & nod but say nothing if the subject was to make eye contact
If asked, experimenters said they were waiting for someone Newman, J., & McCauley, C. (1977). Eye contact with strangers in city, suburb, and small town. Environment and Behavior, 9(4), 547-558. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.library.yorku.ca/docview/616269990?accountid=15182
Result
Urban setting had the least eye contactRural setting the most Female experimenter averaged 43% eye
contactMale experimenter averaged 35% eye
contact Sex of the passers-by did not interact with the sex
of the experimenter
Newman, J., & McCauley, C. (1977). Eye contact with strangers in city, suburb, and small town. Environment and Behavior, 9(4), 547-558. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.library.yorku.ca/docview/616269990?accountid=15182
Violinist in Metro Station
In 2007, Josh Bell posed as a street musician in Washington D.C to see how many people would stop and listen
Stop and Hear the Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnOPu0_YWhw
Weingarten,G. (2007, April 8). Pearls Before Breakfast: Can one of our nation’s great musicians cut through the fog of a D.C. rush hour?. Washington Post. Retrieved from http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/pearls-before-breakfast-can-one-of-the-nations-great-musicians-cut-through-the-fog-of-a-dc-rush-hour-lets-find-out/2014/09/23/8a6d46da-4331-11e4-b47c-f5889e061e5f_story.html
System Overload Theory (Milgram)
Individual is unable to process all the inputs being received from the environment as there are too many
How to cope? Input A may be processed first while B is kept in the
background Input A or B may be ignored all together
Levine, R. V., Reysen, S., & Ganz, E. (2008). The kindness of strangers revisited: A comparison of 24 US cities. Social Indicators Research, 85(3), 461-481. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11205-007-9091-9
Environmental Annoyances In Urban Settings (Robin et al.,)
Robin, M., Matheau-Police, A., & Couty, C. (2007). Development of a scale of perceived environmental annoyances in urban settings. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 27(1), 55-68. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2006.09.005
Bystander Effect
Individuals are less likely to help when there are other bystanders The larger the number of bystanders, the less the
likelihood that someone will intervene in an emergency
The Death of Kitty Genovese https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdpdUbW8vbw
Milgram, S. (1970). The experience of living in cities. Science, 167(3924), 1461-1468. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.library.yorku.ca/docview/615750988?accountid=15182
Helping & Gender Differences (Reysen & Ganz) (2006)
Hypotheses: Women received more help than men & men helped more than
women Men will help more than women when an audience is present
Participants: 324 persons who were walking alone and older than 17 Blind selection procedure
First person to step over a line
Design & Procedure: Male or female experimenter would walk toward an individual and
“accidently” drop a pen and not notice it
Reysen, S., & Ganz, E. (2006). Gender differences in helping in six U.S. cities. North American Journal of Psychology, 8(1), 63-67. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.library.yorku.ca/docview/621183021?accountid=15182
Responses were scored on a 5 point ordinal scale 1 – did not notice the pen drop 2 – noticed but did not offer help 3 – did not pick up pen but called back to the
experimenter 4 – picked up pen and gave back to the experimenter 5 – picked up pen & caught up to the experimenter to
give it back
Reysen, S., & Ganz, E. (2006). Gender differences in helping in six U.S. cities. North American Journal of Psychology, 8(1), 63-67. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.library.yorku.ca/docview/621183021?accountid=15182
Results There was no relationship between sex of helper &
helping behaviour No relationship between sex of experimenter dropping
the pen & helping behaviour
Reysen, S., & Ganz, E. (2006). Gender differences in helping in six U.S. cities. North American Journal of Psychology, 8(1), 63-67. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.library.yorku.ca/docview/621183021?accountid=15182
Kindness of Strangers – 24 US Cities(Levine et al.,)
Predictors of help:1. Population Size2. Population Density 3. Population Stability4. Economic Well-Being5. Pace of Life6. Crime
Levine, R. V., Reysen, S., & Ganz, E. (2008). The kindness of strangers revisited: A comparison of 24 US cities. Social Indicators Research, 85(3), 461-481. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11205-007-9091-9
Population Size & Density
Hypothesis: Based on the system overload theory & the bystander
effect, population size and density would be related negatively to helping
Levine, R. V., Reysen, S., & Ganz, E. (2008). The kindness of strangers revisited: A comparison of 24 US cities. Social Indicators Research, 85(3), 461-481. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11205-007-9091-9
Population Stability
Hypothesis: Communities experiencing rapid population growth
have a lack of social connectedness and therefore less likely to enter into helping relationships with others in public
Levine, R. V., Reysen, S., & Ganz, E. (2008). The kindness of strangers revisited: A comparison of 24 US cities. Social Indicators Research, 85(3), 461-481. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11205-007-9091-9
Economic Stability
Linksy and Strauss (1986): Communities with a poor economy are more likely to
engage in criminal behaviour
Are people in economically healthy communities more likely to engage in pro-social behaviours?
Hypothesis: Economic well-being has a positive relationship to
helping behaviour
Levine, R. V., Reysen, S., & Ganz, E. (2008). The kindness of strangers revisited: A comparison of 24 US cities. Social Indicators Research, 85(3), 461-481. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11205-007-9091-9
Pace of Life
A rapid pace of life decreases the likelihood of one taking time to engage in non-essential social responsibilities
Levine, R. V., Reysen, S., & Ganz, E. (2008). The kindness of strangers revisited: A comparison of 24 US cities. Social Indicators Research, 85(3), 461-481. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11205-007-9091-9
Crime
High crime rates lead to social disorganization and instils fear and distrust amongst those in the community
Hypothesis: Crime rates would be negatively related to helping
behaviour
Levine, R. V., Reysen, S., & Ganz, E. (2008). The kindness of strangers revisited: A comparison of 24 US cities. Social Indicators Research, 85(3), 461-481. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11205-007-9091-9
Main goals of the study:1. Examine the relationship of changes over time
(1991-92 to 2005) between community-level characteristics
Population size variables, economic indicators, crime and pace of life
2. Provide updated social indicators of the quality of the helping environment in individual cities
3. Examine the 6 predictors in helping behaviour
Levine, R. V., Reysen, S., & Ganz, E. (2008). The kindness of strangers revisited: A comparison of 24 US cities. Social Indicators Research, 85(3), 461-481. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11205-007-9091-9
Method
Subjects: Individuals from 24 US cities and their surrounding areas were studied
Northeast: Boston, MA, New York, NY , Providence, RI , Rochester, NY, Springfield,
MA, Worcester, MA
Midwest: Chicago, IL, Detroit, MI, Indianapolis, IN, Kansas City, MO-KS, Lansing,
MI, Youngstown, OH
South: Atlanta, GA, Dallas, TX, Louisville, KY, Nashville, TN, Chattanooga, TN,
Knoxville, TN
West: Los Angeles, CA, San Francisco, CA, Sacramento, CA, San Jose, CA,
Bakersfield, CA, Fresno, CALevine, R. V., Reysen, S., & Ganz, E. (2008). The kindness of strangers revisited: A comparison of 24 US cities. Social Indicators Research, 85(3), 461-481. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11205-007-9091-9
Measures of Helping
1. The type of help offered Direct vs. indirect Planned vs. formal Serious vs. non-serious
2. Social setting in which help is offered3. Degree of need of the recipient
Levine, R. V., Reysen, S., & Ganz, E. (2008). The kindness of strangers revisited: A comparison of 24 US cities. Social Indicators Research, 85(3), 461-481. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11205-007-9091-9
Procedure
Data was collected in two or more locations in main downtown areas, during main business hours and on clear days
Only individuals walking alone were sampled as they crossed a pre-determined line 15 males & females were approached for helping 35 males & females were observed for pace of life
Children, handicapped, seniors or those with heavy packages were excluded
Experimenter was a 24 year-old male college student
Levine, R. V., Reysen, S., & Ganz, E. (2008). The kindness of strangers revisited: A comparison of 24 US cities. Social Indicators Research, 85(3), 461-481. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11205-007-9091-9
Experiment
1. Dropped Pen Experimenter walked toward a pedestrian passing in
opposite direction When 10-15 feet from the subject, the experimenter
would drop the pen by “accident” Subjects were scored as:
Called back to the experimenter that they dropped the pen
Picked up the pen & brought it back to the experimenter
Levine, R. V., Reysen, S., & Ganz, E. (2008). The kindness of strangers revisited: A comparison of 24 US cities. Social Indicators Research, 85(3), 461-481. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11205-007-9091-9
2. Hurt Leg Experimenter would be walking with a heavy limp &
wearing a visible leg brace & accidently drop and unsuccessful reach for a pile of magazines
Subjects were scored as: Offering to help Beginning to help without first offering
Levine, R. V., Reysen, S., & Ganz, E. (2008). The kindness of strangers revisited: A comparison of 24 US cities. Social Indicators Research, 85(3), 461-481. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11205-007-9091-9
3. Change for a quarter Experimenter would walk up to pedestrian and ask if
they can make change for a quarter Subjects were scored as:
Having checked their pocket for change
Levine, R. V., Reysen, S., & Ganz, E. (2008). The kindness of strangers revisited: A comparison of 24 US cities. Social Indicators Research, 85(3), 461-481. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11205-007-9091-9
Pace of life: Measured by measuring one’s walking speed over a
distance of 60 feetCommunity variables
US Bureau of the Census
Levine, R. V., Reysen, S., & Ganz, E. (2008). The kindness of strangers revisited: A comparison of 24 US cities. Social Indicators Research, 85(3), 461-481. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11205-007-9091-9
Results
Overall helping index: Measures of helping were positively intercorrelated
Changes in helping: Overall helping has shown a small but significant
decrease over the past decade & a half Population size & density showed negative correlations
on all measures of helping Economic stability showed positive correlations with
overall helping Pace of life:
Cities with slower walkers tend to be more helpful
Levine, R. V., Reysen, S., & Ganz, E. (2008). The kindness of strangers revisited: A comparison of 24 US cities. Social Indicators Research, 85(3), 461-481. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11205-007-9091-9
Increasing Helping
Be aware & take action Just learning about the bystander effect should
increase interventionReduce ambiguity
Speak your mindIncrease (take) responsibilitySeeing pro-social modelsMoral inclusion
Regarding others ("out-group members") as within one's circle of moral concern
Myers, D. G., Spencer, S. J, & Jordan, C. H. (2012). Social Psychology (Fifth Canadian Edition). Toronto, Canada: McGraw-Hill Ryerson.
Urban City Experience
”People didn’t seem to care about each other at all.”
- Milgram
Milgram, S. (1970). The experience of living in cities. Science, 167(3924), 1461-1468. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.library.yorku.ca/docview/615750988?accountid=15182
Characteristics of Urban City’s
Large number of peopleBig city is attractive, more people live here
Higher population densityIncreased population = limitation of space
Heterogeneity of population
Milgram, S. (1970). The experience of living in cities. Science, 167(3924), 1461-1468. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.library.yorku.ca/docview/615750988?accountid=15182
Density vs. Crowding
Density:A physical condition involving the limitation of space.Bigger city, less recreational and personal space
Crowding:ExperientialLimited space as perceived by the individual in
relation to themselves
Stokols, D., Rall, M., Pinner, P., Schopler, J. (1973). Physical, Social, and Personal Determinants of the Perception of Crowding. Environment and Behavior, 5(1), 87 -91
Results of Crowding
Increased stress
Hostility towards others
Anxiety
Dissatisfaction with situation
Stokols, D., Rall, M., Pinner, P., Schopler, J. (1973). Physical, Social, and Personal Determinants of the Perception of Crowding. Environment and Behavior, 5(1), 87 -91
Big city’s are attractive but expensive.
Cost of living is higher so inhabitants cut costs where they can
E.g. taking public transit instead of paying to maintain a vehicle
Taking public transportation one of the most common places to experience crowding and its effects
Milgram, S. (1970). The experience of living in cities. Science, 167(3924), 1461-1468. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.library.yorku.ca/docview/615750988?accountid=15182
Toronnipeg (2014). Nuit Blanche TTC Complaint Dept. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otmhkhhdhwI
Where Would You Sit?
Crowding and Personal Space Invasion on the Train: Please Don’t Make Me Sit in the Middle
Evans and Wener (2007) Hypotheses:
The closer people sat next to each other, the more adverse reactions (stress)
Participants: Followed 139 train commuters during rush hour in New
York Participants were on the same commuting route for an
average of 82 months with a 12 month minimum Average commuting time – 83 mins
Evans, G.W. & Wener, R.E. (2007). Crowding and personal space invasion on the train: Please don’t make me sit in the middle. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 27, 90-94.
Design & Procedure: Salivary cortisol was taken at the end of each morning
trip to work and same time of day on weekend Motivation was assessed by a proof reading task,
detecting the percent number of errors in an except Mood was assessed during commute on a 5 point scare
(carefree – frustrated)
Results: Significant difference in stress level of participants who
were sitting with an increased number of individuals in the same row
Evans, G.W. & Wener, R.E. (2007). Crowding and personal space invasion on the train: Please don’t make me sit in the middle. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 27, 90-94.
Conclusion Passengers commuting on transit experience greater
social interaction than desired.
Middle seats double likelihood of increased interaction and is therefore avoided unless standing space becomes too crowded
Invasion of personal space by strangers causes negative physiological and psychological effects
Frequency of space intrusion may also be a contributing factor
Evans, G.W. & Wener, R.E. (2007). Crowding and personal space invasion on the train: Please don’t make me sit in the middle. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 27, 90-94.
Suggestions
Break seating in trains up into smaller groups E.g. seating can be in two’s instead of 3’s and 4’s Dividers such as rails or arm rests
Provide bigger areas to stand
Open concepts for train cars TTC’s open concept for new trains
Increase number of available trains during rush hour
Evans, G.W. & Wener, R.E. (2007). Crowding and personal space invasion on the train: Please don’t make me sit in the middle. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 27, 90-94.
Pace of Life
Larger cities have residents with higher wages, higher cost of living
Increased value for timeEconomizing time = need to get things done
faster including walkingSensory overload leads to rapid motor actionReduced social interaction plays a role in
pace
Stokols, D., Rall, M., Pinner, P., Schopler, J. (1973). Physical, Social, and Personal Determinants of the Perception of Crowding. Environment and Behavior, 5(1), 87 -91. Retrieved from: https://webfiles.uci.edu/dstokols/Pubs/Crowding%20E-B%201973.pdf
The Pace of Life in 31 Countries
Levine & Norenzayan (1999)
Studied pace of life in 31 countries Focused on largest city in each country Fastest in Japan and Europe and slowest in developing
countries Faster pace in colder climate, places with higher
economic production and individualistic cultures Faster pace = increased chance of death from heart
disease
Population size significantly related to both walking speed and measure of work speed compared to small towns in GuineaLevine, R. V., & Norenzayan, A. (1999). The Pace of Life in 31 Countries. Journal of Cross-cultural Psychology,
30, 178-205
Population increase drives up cost of goods and land Economic demand and time efficiency. Time more
valuable and pace more valuable
Sense of urgency has similar effect as anger/ hostility in body (also a predictor of CHD)
Levine, R. V., & Norenzayan, A. (1999). The Pace of Life in 31 Countries. Journal of Cross-cultural Psychology, 30, 178-205
Speed – One of the most salient characteristics of life in the 19th century –Levine & Norenzayan
Levine, R. V., & Norenzayan, A. (1999). The pace of life in 31 countries. Journal of Cross-cultural Psychology, 30, 178-205
The need for speed is everywhere
Required to become a leader E.g. launching a new product. Apple was first company
to develop and mass market their mp3 player the Ipod, dominated global market
Efficiency means money saved and revenue earned more quickly
Culture has been transformed into a “synchronous society” which is nationally and globally integrated. Prime directive is to keep up with the change
Hassan, R. (2008). The Information Society: Cyber Dreams and Digital Nightmares. Polity Press, 159-177
Lose touch with deeper connections Moving too fast to make deep friendships/ relationships
Time a precious commodity Pack more activities into work and leisure time
Becoming indistinct
Hassan, R. (2008). The Information Society: Cyber Dreams and Digital Nightmares. Polity Press, 159-177The Ellen Show (2013). The Challenges of Multitasking. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q45cUHfvMZU
The Effect of Multitasking on the Grade Performance of Business Students
Ellis, Daniels & Jauregui (2010)
Hypothesis: To see if there was a difference in performance in students grades if they are distracted while learning
Experiment: Evaluate the mean testing scores of a cohort of 62 undergraduate accounting students in a Principles of Accounting Course of which half of the students text during lecture
Ellis, Y., Daniels, W. and Jauregui, A. (2010). The effect of multitasking on the grade performance of business students. Research in Higher Education Journal, 8 http://www.aabri.com/manuscripts/10498.pdf
Procedure: The cohort was divided into two groups – the texting group and non-texting group. Texting group was allowed to send and receive text messages at
anytime throughout course Non-texting group had to have phones off during lectureA quiz would be administered at the end of the course to see if there was a difference in learning
Results: There was a significant difference in test scores between the two groups Individuals who were not allowed to have their phones on scored
much better on their quiz than the cohort in the texting group
Ellis, Y., Daniels, W. and Jauregui, A. (2010). The effect of multitasking on the grade performance of business students. Research in Higher Education Journal, 8 http://www.aabri.com/manuscripts/10498.pdf
Can students really multitask? An experimental study of instant messaging while reading
Bowman, Levine, Waite & Dendron (2010)
Hypothesis: Doing more than one task at a time increases the amount of time it takes to complete original task
Experiment: A class of students taking an undergraduate psychology course was asked to read a 3,828 word passage where some students use instant messaging while reading.
Procedure: 3 groups: Use instant messaging prior to reading passage Use instant messaging while reading passage No use of instant messaging whatsoeverTime to complete reading would be compared across each groupBowman, L. L., Levine, L. E., Waite, B. M. and Dendron, M. (2010). Can students really multitask? An
experimental study of instant messaging while reading. Computers & Education, 54, 927-931.
Results: Experiment found that those who used instant messaging during the time they read the passage took 22-59% longer to complete passage This is even after subtracting out the time spent instant
messaging
Bowman, L. L., Levine, L. E., Waite, B. M. and Dendron, M. (2010). Can students really multitask? An experimental study of instant messaging while reading. Computers & Education, 54, 927-931.
Advances in technology especially in urban areas have us doing things faster than every before
Demand to do more in shorter amounts of time without any real progress being made
Result of living life at such a fast pace with has physiological effects: Insomnia Migraine Hypertension Asthma Gastrointestinal trouble
Children are becoming more stressed out and anxiousHassan, R. (2008). The Information Society: Cyber Dreams and Digital Nightmares. Polity Press, 159-177
Suggestions
Focus on one task at a time Maximizes knowledge acquired or work completed
Develop strategy to filter information Focus on quality of data vs. quantity of tasks completed
Plan ahead Plan out schedule for day/ week, etc. so that enough
time per task can be given
Take breaks Ensure that leisure time isn’t blurred with work time
Hassan, R. (2008). The Information Society: Cyber Dreams and Digital Nightmares. Polity Press, 159-177
Construction of Urban Behaviour
Observation is the starting point of constructing urban theory
Wirth’s theoretical variables - larger numbers of people -high population density -heterogeneity of population * These variables are not psychological
“The Experience of Living in Cities” from Science, Vol.167, American Association for the Advancement of Science, © March 1970,24-41. Reproduced with the permission of American Association for the Advancement of Science. (Course kit)
Linking Individual Experience with demographic situations
Overload - the inability to process inputs because there are so many inputs coming in at a fast paceAdaptation - has to set priorities and make choices
“The Experience of Living in Cities” from Science, Vol.167, American Association for the Advancement of Science, © March 1970,24-41. Reproduced with the permission of American Association for the Advancement of Science. (Course kit)
Adaptive responses to Overload
Allow less time to each inputEliminate unimportant inputsCreate boundaries between social
transactionsBlock off certain inputs from enteringDecrease the intensity of the inputs by
filteringSpecialized institutions are created to
absorb inputs
“The Experience of Living in Cities” from Science, Vol.167, American Association for the Advancement of Science, © March 1970,24-41. Reproduced with the permission of American Association for the Advancement of Science. (Course kit)
Anonymity
Anonymity
Result of Overload on Cognitive CapacitiesSpectrum ranging from total anonymity
and full acquaintanceConditions of complete anonymity include: -alienation -detachment -freedom
“The Experience of Living in Cities” from Science, Vol.167, American Association for the Advancement of Science, © March 1970,24-41. Reproduced with the permission of American Association for the Advancement of Science. (Course kit)
Anonymity
Philip Zimbardo did empirical work to prove whether social anonymity and impersonality in New York would encourage greater vandalism than in Palo Alto
A car was left at the New York University campus and at Stanford University for 64 hours
“The Experience of Living in Cities” from Science, Vol.167, American Association for the Advancement of Science, © March 1970,24-41. Reproduced with the permission of American Association for the Advancement of Science. (Course kit)
Anonymity
Within the first 24 hours the car left in New York was stripped of all movable parts
Occurred during daylight hours
Vandalism was mostly done by well-dresses, white adults
The car in Palo Alto remained untouched
“The Experience of Living in Cities” from Science, Vol.167, American Association for the Advancement of Science, © March 1970,24-41. Reproduced with the permission of American Association for the Advancement of Science. (Course kit)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsFEV35tWsg
PHILIP ZIMBARDO: THE PSYCHOLOGY OF EVIL
The Quality-of-life approach
The Quality-of-life approach
Ben-Chieh Liu of the Midwest Research Institute conducted the broad research on quality of life in cities
120 variables from five areas that he believed relevant to the lives of urban people
E. Krupat. “Urban Characteristics: City Versus City and City Versus Town” from People in Cities, Cambridge University Press, © 1985, 19-47.Reproduced with the permission of Erlbaum and Associates. (Course kit)
Areas of quality-of-life
1) The economic approach Personal income and wealth Community economic health2) The political component Professionalism and performance of local
government Citizen participation in the politics of the
community3) The environmental component Air quality, noise, water, and pollution Outdoor recreational facilities
E. Krupat. “Urban Characteristics: City Versus City and City Versus Town” from People in Cities, Cambridge University Press, © 1985, 19-47.
Reproduced with the permission of Erlbaum and Associates. (Course kit)
Areas of quality-of-life
4) The health and education component Infant mortality and death rate used to indicate
individual health Community health protection measured through
availability of medical care5) The social component Income and employment differences between racial
and gender groups – indicator of discrimination Cost of living, crime rates, housing quality Sports and cultural opportunities
E. Krupat. “Urban Characteristics: City Versus City and City Versus Town” from People in Cities, Cambridge University Press, © 1985, 19-47.
Reproduced with the permission of Erlbaum and Associates. (Course kit)
Liu’s Findings in 1970
Only one urban place in the United States go straight As in all areas, Portland, Oregon.
Only one city, Birmingham, Alabama got straight failing grades
Cities such as Cincinnati and Dallas varied across the five areas
E. Krupat. “Urban Characteristics: City Versus City and City Versus Town” from People in Cities, Cambridge University Press, © 1985, 19-47.Reproduced with the permission of Erlbaum and Associates. (Course kit)
What city in Canada do you think is the highest in quality of life?
http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/4-canadian-cities-rank-high-in-north-american-quality-of-life-survey-1.1694363
What would you do?
Scenario 1:
It’s 8:30am and you’re running late to an important meeting that’s going to decide whether you move up in the company or stay where you are, which starts at 9:00am. You’re running through the streets and as you’re passing an alley you hear a woman scream. Do you stop in your pace and pay further attention to the surrounding situation? Keep in mind that if you continue on your way it’ll take you 30 mins to get to work.
Scenario 2:
You’re walking pass a booth selling chargers for laptops. The person running the booth isn’t there and you notice almost every person that walks pass takes a charger without paying. You forgot your charger at home, your laptop only has 4% left of battery life, and you have paper that needs to be finished and uploaded in 15 mins. Do you take the charger? If so, did the people who stole the chargers before you have influence on your decision?
Scenario 3:
After a long day of classes all you want is a peaceful and relaxing bus ride home. You sit in your favourite spot and plug in music. When you glance around you notice an elder woman standing. You know what you should do, but just so tired. You start to think that you wouldn’t come off as a bad person because it looks like you’re not paying attention due to the music. Do you let yourself zone out to the music?
Reading Questions
Levine, R.V. The pace of life. American Scientist, September/October 1990, pp. 450-459.
Levine, R. V., & Norenzayan, A. (1999). The pace of life in 31 countries. Journal of Cross-cultural Psychology, 30, 178-205.
Levine, R. V., Reysen, S., & Ganz, E. (2008). The kindness of strangers revisited: A comparison of 24 US cities. Social Indicators Research, 85, 461-481.
1. What additional variables/measures could be examined to study the pace of life?
2. How might pace of life research be applied? 3. What can reasonably be concluded about the variables influencing
helping behaviour across American cities?
Reading Questions
Milgram, S. The experience of living in cities. Science, 1970, 167, 1461-1468
1. Is a city experienced in the same manner for its inhabitants, or do children’s perceptions
differ from adults, immigrants from the native born, the rich from the poor, families from
singles? What sort of research would you propose to answer these questions?
2. 2. Are different cities similar in their psychological effects, or do they differ from each
other? Is merely examining density sufficient for an explanation? How is Paris different
from Toronto, Toronto from Seattle, Vancouver from Montreal? How could these
differences be explored in research? What methodologies might be useful in answering
these questions?
Reading questions
1) To what uses might one apply quality of urban life research?
2) Frequently newspapers and magazines describe a ranking of cities according to some quality of life measure (e.g. a few years ago the Globe and Mail business magazine described Kingston, Ontario as its top city). What are some problems with ranking cities in quality of life research?
3) What measures would you propose for urban quality of life research that might have been overlooked in previous research?
E. Krupat. “Urban Characteristics: City Versus City and City Versus Town” from People in Cities, Cambridge University Press, © 1985, 19-47.Reproduced with the permission of Erlbaum and Associates. (Course kit)