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ENST20001 Human Behaviour and Environment




Research report 1: Exploring the psychological basis of human-environment relationships

Due Date: 11pm Sunday April 6, 2025

Word limit: 1500 words (+/- 10%) excluding reference list, interviewee quotes and transcript/analysis of interview

Submission: Electronic copy submitted online through LMS (in the Assignments link)

Assessment weighting: 35% of final grade.

Penalty for late submission: 5% per day




Objective

The objective of this assignment is to explore and understand some psychological factors that shape human-
environment relationships. You will draw on theories regarding biological, social and cognitive aspects of human-
environment relationships, considering how these do (or do not) to explain the way one person describes their
relationship with a type of environment.

Learning outcomes

Through completing this assignment, you will develop:
- a deeper understanding of theories of human-environment relationships and how these apply to topics of
interest to you
- a better understanding of how people relate to environments
- basic research skills for understanding human-environment interactions, including:
o introductory level skills in qualitative data collection and analysis
o skills for reporting social scientific information and applying this to questions about human-
environment interactions

Task

In this project you research the factors that shape a person’s relationship with a specific type of environment. You
will answer the general research question:


In what ways do psychological factors shape one person’s relationship with urban parks?




Further advice on this assignment is provided on pages 3-6.
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Assessment criteria

Read through these criteria before preparing your report since you will be assessed against these:

Clear argument and • States the research question and aim clearly (and in line with assignment instructions)
effective use of • Explains the relevance and rationale of that research question.
evidence (25%) •
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Expresses a clear argument throughout the paper in response to the stated research question
Defends the argument effectively with evidence from academic publications and empirical
observation
Selects theory and past research that is relevant to the aim and topic, and explains how it is
relevant
Explains implications of methods (selection of participant, design of questions, analysis of
data) for achieving the aim
Organises and explains data analysis in relation to the stated aim and research question
Develops conclusions that directly relate to the stated research question and are based on
the findings presented
Understanding of • Defines and explains all key terms or with explicit reference to subject readings
theory (25%) •

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Demonstrates breadth of understanding of theory that is appropriate to the aim (i.e. covers
all necessary concepts necessary to the aim, and irrelevant concepts are not included)
Demonstrates evidence of broad reading, drawing on multiple sources including required
subject readings and academic articles reporting relevant empirical studies
Explains relevance and quality of any empirical research through brief account of the aim,
methods, and results of that work
Synthesises knowledge from different published sources (e.g. organising, comparing,
criticising)
Proposes hypotheses or expectations of findings that are plausible based on analysis theory
and empirical studies described
Interprets data with correct reference to theory, showing where this confirms, extends or
challenges the concepts in published literature
Understanding and
appropriate
application of basic
social science methods
(30%)
• Describes methods comprehensively yet succinctly
Analyses interview with appropriate attention to the research question, theory, and
sensitivity to language, behaviour and context of the participant, as evidenced by
interview analysis, results section and coding table
Selects appropriate quotes from interview transcript to defend interpretations, and presents
these appropriately (contextualised, explained)
Evaluates strengths and weaknesses of methods used in the study and draws appropriate
conclusions (i.e. not results are not generalised inappropriately, causal relationships are not
claimed where these cannot be defended).
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Effective scientific
writing (20%)
• Structures the report clearly, with appropriate headings and subheadings
Expresses ideas clearly with logical flow of well-structured paragraphs, professional language,
with correct spelling and grammar.
Complies with word limits as set for the assignment
Attributes and cites sources correctly and in APA style (both intext and in reference list). Note
that failure to acknowledge sources will be penalised in line with University academic honesty
processes. https://academicintegrity.unimelb.edu.au/
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Advice on completing this assignment



We have selected a topic and research question for you to complete this assignment. The research question is In
what ways do psychological factors shape one person’s relationship with urban parks?


1.1 Read background information

Before you start, ensure you understand the theory and past research that informs the question you will investigate.

• Ensure you have read the required readings for Topics 1-4, which cover key general theories on human
environment relationships, including biological, social and cognitive factors that shape these relationships.
Orient your literature search, reading, interviews and analysis around the psychological concepts covered in
topics 1-4. If you do not address these factors in your research report, you cannot do well.
• Search for and read academic research on similar topics to the one you will address (psychological factors
impacting relationship with urban parks). For example, you will find research examining the different ways
that people perceive or value urban parks, and the factors that shape this concern. Particularly search for
academic, empirical research on this topic (Research that is published in a peer reviewed journal and was
based on observation - perhaps through interviews, surveys or document analysis - of relevant attitudes,
perceptions or valuing).


1.2 Learn the principles and practices of social research methods

We have conducted an interview and provided an interview transcript on one person’s relationship with urban
parks (see appendix).

It’s important that you understand the principles, practices, and skills that are involved in conducting rigorous
and effective social research. In your tutorial classes (in weeks 2-5), you will learn these skills and key principles
required to understand our approach to conducting this interview, and learn how to report on this data
collection process. It is essential that you attend these classes so that you can critically evaluate the research
approach and how the interview was conducted, and understand what is required to write the methods section
in your report.

(The second assignment in this subject requires you to conduct, transcribe, and analyse your own interview).






3. Analyse the interview data

Your analysis will draw on an interview that has already been conducted. Your task is to analyse this interview
(see Pages 8-10 for details and transcript) and report on the data. Keep in mind your overall research question –
your analysis needs to be targeted to answer this question, and to make links between the theory and the topic
as seen through the eyes of your participant.

Tutorials will cover basic approaches to qualitative data analysis, and the reading list provides additional support.
But some ideas to keep in mind as you analyse the data:

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• Get familiar with the data and the task: Clarify goal of the analysis (specifically, to answer your research
question), read through several times taking note of anything that stands out in relation to your research
question
• Open coding: Work through the data noting all the ideas (relevant to the subject and research question) that
you notice in the interview transcript. Look for evidence of possible psychological factors shaping the
relationship of concern, keeping in mind the theory you have read, while also staying open to new ideas.
Mark or highlight sections of the transcript. Your marked transcript will be uploaded as an appendix in
your report, so this step is important. Note what ideas you see reflected in your notes and highlights. Write
down a list of all these ideas (these are ‘codes’).
• Categorisation: Review, organise and refine codes you have noted, and form these into themes. In
categorising codes into themes, consider: Do any codes overlap or seem closely related in some way? Are
some codes too broad to be meaningful? How do codes relate to the theory? In refining your themes,
consider: Does theory suggest a way to define or describe these themes? How can you organise the themes
in a way that helps answer the research question?
• Document: Finalise your categorisation of themes in a coding table (we will look at these in tutorials),
summarising each theme, its definition and examples from the interview. Your coding table will be
uploaded as an appendix in your report.
• Interpret these themes in relation to your research question and subject concepts: What factors noted in
theory appear to play a role in shaping the relationship? Consider biological, social and cognitive factors
covered in readings and lectures. Do some factors appear to be more important than others? Do some of
the reasons given or changes seem to have little relationship to the theory, and are perhaps better explained
by other factors?


4. Prepare your report

Structure your report in the following way: Note: (word counts are suggested only)

Introduction (450-550 words): This section should state the aim of the investigation (the key research question),
draw on theory and empirical research to explain the reason for posing this question and what you expect to find,
and outline what other researchers have found regarding your key research question
(as much as possible, select and explain published research on the topic – where there is none, provide examples
from related research). Make sure you appropriately reference the reading material you draw on.

Method (200-250 words): Describe the way the data was collected for this assignment. Briefly describe the type of
person interviewed (simply approximate age and education/work background and any other relevant information –
see Page 8 for relevant information). Explain briefly the rationale behind selection of this person. Explain how the data
was collected (i.e. face-to-face interview, how long did it take, what questions were asked)? Try to make this
description brief but comprehensive. A key component to this section is about your approach to data analysis. How
did you analyse the data? What was the approach, and why? In writing scientific reports we aim for transparency and
repeatability, so provide sufficient details so that the reader could potentially repeat the procedure. Don’t include
any irrelevant information.

Results and discussion (500-600 words): Present your analysis in a way that helps answer the research question,
noting the suggested approach to analysis above. It’s really important that you provide evidence to support your
observations in this section. With qualitative research, evidence is provided in the form of words spoken by the
participants (quotes). Don’t paste in the whole interview but select short sections of answers that demonstrate the
point you are trying to make. Include some explanation of the context to make it clear what was being referred to.
Where the observations support or challenge the theory in readings, comment on this.
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Conclusion (250 - 250 words): In this section, answer the research question as best as you are able. Give a short
summary of the factors influencing relationships with the environment as evident in your study. Comment on any
limitations of the study.

References: Make sure you list the readings you have referred to in your report, using an appropriate citation
method. Citations should follow the APA style (excluded from the word limit).

Appendices: Include the annotated interview transcript (demonstrating your first steps of analysis) and coding
table as appendices. These are excluded from the word limit.




5. A note about research ethics in reporting:

For reasons of privacy, you should present your methods, results and interview transcript in ways that protect the
identity of the person that was interviewed. For example, it’s important to check whether the person is comfortable
with the use of their name in the report, or would prefer you use a pseudonym (made up name).



6. A note about academic honesty and integrity:

Academic integrity and honesty are at the heart of our university’s values and practice. The University defines
Academic integrity as “the way you demonstrate good scholarship, by:

1. Being honest and ethical in scholarly work.
2. Acknowledging the work and ideas of others.
3. Using your own words.”

Plagiarism is an important issue that can have serious consequences – including failing this course. You can avoid
plagiarism by learning how to appropriately acknowledge your sources, and learning writing strategies that help you
to apply your learning in your own words. This booklet will help you understand what plagiarism is and learn the
skills you need to complete this assignment honestly.

Use of Generative AI in Assessment
You must complete this assignment using your own ideas, research, and analysis. The use of generative AI tools (e.g.,
ChatGPT, QuillBot) to produce or refine content that you submit as your own work is not permitted and constitutes
academic misconduct. If AI-generated material is used in your preparation, it must be properly acknowledged and
cited in accordance with university policy. Failure to do so may result in academic penalties.

The University Policy on AI use in assessments states the following: Knowingly having a third party, including
artificial intelligence technologies, write or produce any work (paid or unpaid) that a student submits as their own
work for assessment is deliberate cheating and is academic misconduct.

If your tutor or subject coordinator suspects the use of generative AI tools in producing your assessment, you may
be asked to demonstrate your process in creating your assignment: for example, the annotated resources (academic
publications) you used, your drafts, explaining your understanding of key concepts or theories.

See our Module, Academic Integrity in this Subject for further information and advice about generative AI.
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INTERVIEW GUIDE:

• Can you tell me about the urban parks that you often visit?
• Can you tell me about the experiences you often have in an urban park?
o What do you usually do there?
o Who do you usually go with?
o What do you feel like when you’re there?
• What are your general thoughts and feelings about urban parks?
• What aspects of urban parks do you like?
o What aspects do you not like?
o Why do you think you feel that way? Have you always felt that way?
o How has your background shaped the way you feel about urban parks?
• How do you think urban parks should be managed?
o Why do you think that?



Interview and participant details:

Participant details:
• Name: Jen (Jen is comfortable with her name being included in the report)
• 38-year-old woman (pronouns she/her)
• Works full time in Human Resources for a large corporate organisation in Melbourne’s CBD, and has for the
past 5 years.
• She grew up in regional Victoria on a large agricultural property (a working sheep farm).
• She was chosen for this interview because of a) her background as someone who lives in rural area and
spent a lot of time outdoors in nature; and b) she frequently visits urban parks on her lunch breaks and on
weekends to walk her dog.

Interview details:
• Interview was conducted in-person in the researcher’s office, at a university campus.
• The participant was informed of the details of the research and provided verbal informed consent, prior to
recording.
• The interview lasted 12 minutes and was audio-recorded.
• The interview was transcribed verbatim.




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Interview transcript

Interviewer: Thanks for taking the time to speak with me today, Jen. To start, can you tell me about the urban parks
you often visit?

Participant: Um, sure. I spend a lot of time in a few different parks around Melbourne. The main one I go to is Flagstaff
Gardens because, you know, it's close to my office, so I can easily go there on my lunch break. On weekends, I often go
to Edinburgh Gardens 'cause it's a bit bigger, and it's great for walking my dog. Sometimes I'll also go to the Botanic
Gardens if I want a longer walk, especially if I feel like I need a break from all the city's busyness and stuff.

Interviewer: And what do you usually do when you're in these parks?

Participant: Well, during the workweek, it's usually just a quick visit. I'll grab a takeaway coffee, walk around for a bit,
maybe sit on a bench and just... zone out for a few minutes. It helps me reset before going back to the office, you
know? On weekends, it's more relaxed—I walk my dog, sometimes meet up with friends for a picnic or just to catch up.
When I'm alone, I like to sit and read or... yeah, just people-watch really. It's one of the few places in the city where I
can actually slow down.

Interviewer: That sounds like a good routine. When you're there, what do you feel like?

Participant: Hmm... it depends. On my lunch break, I think I mostly feel relief—like, a bit of space away from the office,
fresh air, just a pause in the day. It helps switch me off the mind. On weekends, I'd say I feel more content, especially
when I'm with my dog. There's just... something calming about walking under the trees, watching people relaxing,
feeling a bit of a breeze. It's not quite the same as being out in nature, like where I grew up, but yeah... it's the closest
thing I can get in the city.

Interviewer: And when you go to the parks on weekends with friends, can you tell me more about those experiences?

Participant: Oh yeah, it's always a bit more social on the weekends. We'll usually bring some snacks, maybe a picnic
rug, and just hang out for a few hours. Like... it's a nice way to catch up without having to be in a café or bar, and it
feels more relaxed, if that makes sense? We'll chat, people-watch, sometimes play a game or just lay in the sun. Yeah,
my friend group are all into it and so we’ve kind of created this routine… a habit of going to the park together instead
of just to the pub. A couple of my friends have kids too, so that makes sense for them. And if I have my dog with me,
it's great because he gets to run around and meet other dogs too. It's just... one of those rare times in the city where I
feel like I can just slow down and be present. And being there with others helps that, the presence part of it.

Interviewer: Can you tell me more about your general thoughts and feelings about urban parks?

Participant: Right, um... I think they're really important. Living and working in the city can be pretty overwhelming, and
parks give people a space to breathe. But at the same time, I do feel like they're very different from the kind of nature I
grew up with. Like... I was raised on a sheep farm in regional Victoria, so my idea of 'being in nature' is a lot more
expansive—open fields, animals and they're noise and smells [laughs], plus that kind of quiet you only get outside the
city, you know? Urban parks are lovely, but they always feel a bit... how do I put it... curated, I suppose? Controlled. But
I still appreciate them a lot because without them, well, city life would be much harder.

Interviewer: That's interesting. Are there particular aspects of urban parks that you really like? Or places you gravitate
towards when you’re there?

Participant: Yeah for sure. I love the big, old trees—there's just... something really grounding about them. And some of
the big ones with a lot of character remind me of home, our in the western part of Victoria where there’s lots of old
redgums. Um, where else do I gravitate towards? I think when I’m by myself I like being under the trees but walking
around and seeing the variety of plants… I do prefer the wilder or messier parts of some of the parks, like in the Botanic
Gardens there are some native Australia gardens and landscapes and I love those. And I like that there's a mix of
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spaces, so you can either find a quiet spot or be somewhere busier, depending on your mood. Also, seeing other
people enjoying the space—like, families having picnics, kids running around, people practicing yoga—it gives the parks
a really positive atmosphere.

Interviewer: And are there any aspects you don't like?

Participant: Hmm... sometimes they can feel a bit artificial. I mean, I understand why—they're designed for people,
after all—but there's just such a difference between walking through a park and walking through a forest or across
farmland. The other thing is, some parks can get really busy, especially on weekends. Like, it's great that people use
them, but sometimes it can be hard to find a quiet moment when you need one, you know?

Interviewer: Why do you think you feel that way? Or have you always felt that way?

Participant: Um... I think a lot of it comes from my upbringing. Growing up, I had so much open space around me, and
that really shaped my idea of what 'nature' is. When I moved to Melbourne, I really missed that at first. Like, really
missed it. Over time, I've adjusted, and I appreciate urban parks way more than I did when I first arrived. But I don't
think they'll ever feel quite as... immersive as being out on the farm.

Interviewer: You mentioned your upbringing—how do you think your background has shaped the way you feel about
urban parks?

Participant: Oh gosh, I think it's had a huge impact. When you grow up in a rural area, you interact with nature in a
more direct way—it's just... part of your daily life. Whether it's feeding out, working outside, or just walking for ages
without seeing another person. I think that has made me more sensitive to how I think about managed parks. Like, I
notice things other people probably wouldn’t—how the grass is always cut just so, or how certain plants are arranged
to look ‘natural’ but aren't really. But at the same time, it probably also makes me appreciate urban parks more than
someone who's only ever lived in the city. Because, like, I know what it's like to not have access to green space at all,
and that would be really hard for me. Even if urban parks feel different, I’d still rather have them than not.

Interviewer: That's a really interesting perspective. Other than your upbringing, how do you think your current lifestyle
impacts the ways you feel about urban parks?

Participant: Well... I think my lifestyle plays a big role. Working in the CBD means I spend so much time indoors, in
meetings, looking at screens. So when I go to a park, it's almost like I just need that contrast to feel balanced, you
know? Also, I think because my schedule is quite structured, I really appreciate that parks give me a space where I don't
have to be 'on' or thinking about work. It's like... a small escape, even if it's just for half an hour.

Interviewer: Ok nice. And how do you think urban parks should be managed?

Participant: Um... I think they should be designed with balance in mind. They need to cater to different people—like,
some want open fields for sports, others want quiet areas for reading or reflection. I also think there should be more
focus on making them feel more 'wild' in some places. In Melbourne, I feel like so many of our inner-city parks are so
clean cut! There's no messiness or realness... don't you think? I mean, it's beautiful but doesn't change much like real
nature does. Some areas could be left a bit wilder. And obviously, maintaining them well is important. Parks need to
feel safe and welcoming; otherwise, people won't use them.

Interviewer: Why do you think that's important?

Participant: Because... well, parks serve so many purposes. You know, it’s not just about sports and dogs—they're also
about mental health, people socialising… and obviously good for the environment too, with wildlife and the urban heat
island. Is that what it's called? [Laughs]. I think a lot of people don’t even realise how much they rely on parks until
they’re not there. Like, during lockdowns, when everyone suddenly needed outdoor space, it became really obvious
how important they are. If they're designed and maintained well, they can be a real refuge. Not just physically, but
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mentally too. I know for me, having somewhere green to go makes a massive difference in how I experience the city.
Without them, I'd feel a lot more cooped up and wouldn't love living here. It’s kind of funny because, even though I still
miss the open space of where I grew up, I think I’d miss parks just as much if they weren’t there.

Interviewer: That makes sense. It sounds like urban parks play a significant role in your life.

Participant: Yeah, they really do. They help me find a bit of calm in the middle of all this chaos [laughs].

Interviewer: Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, Jen. This has been a really insightful conversation.

Participant: Oh, you're very welcome! It was nice to reflect on all of this—I don't think I've ever really put it into words
before, actually!

[END INTERVIEW]

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