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Impact of Space and Color in the Physical Environment on Preschool Childrens Cooperative BehaviorAuburn University
Oregon State University
Oregon State University Design elements within child care facilities are thought to have important effects on childrens behavior. Empirical studies that examine features of the physical environment, such as color, wall surfaces, and vertical space, and how they affect development are sparse. Using Gibsons Ecological Theory of Visual Perception, this study investigated the impact that differentiated space, including changes in ceiling height and wall color, has on childrens cooperative behavior. Thirty preschool children experienced four different spatial conditions in small groups. Multivariate repeated-measures analyses of variance indicated that differentiation in ceiling height or wall color were related to higher levels of cooperative behavior among preschool children. As well, developmental level and gender were significant predictors of childrens cooperative behavior between spatial conditions. Findings from this study can benefit preschool administrators and designers concerned with developing childrens environments that encourage cooperative behavior in preschool children.
Environment and Behavior, Vol. 31, No. 3,
413-428 (1999) This article has been cited by other articles:
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