Blue Space & Well-being
What kind of environment is called “blue space”?
An area close to water, like the sea, lakes, or rivers.
What is the “lost tourist” test?
A person pretends to be lost while researchers observe how many people stop to help.
Who is Sapna Cheryan?
A researcher who studied how classroom design influences interest in computer science.
What does the phrase “feel destressed and revived” mean?
To feel relaxed and refreshed again.
How long should you visit the coast each week to feel benefits, according to the study?
About two hours a week.
What are “inactive edges”?
Streets with blank walls and few cafés or shops, where nothing happens.
What kind of classroom attracted a broader range of students?
A non-stereotypical one, with posters of nature and novels.
What does the word “anecdotally” mean in the context of rural friendliness?
Based on personal stories or observations, not scientific evidence.
What are two possible reasons researchers gave for the positive effects of being near water?
Less polluted air and more sunlight.
How do “active edges” affect our behavior?
They make us slow down, feel safer, and engage more with others.
What does Cheryan believe people need to feel to perform well?
That they will “fit in” and belong in the environment.
What are “cues of identity”?
Things in your environment that reflect your personality and interests.
Apart from improving health, what else does water help reduce?
Stress; it makes people feel more optimistic.
What percentage of people helped the tourist in areas with active edges?
About 10%
Who researched office environments and productivity?
Craig Knight and Alex Haslam.
What does “approachable” mean?
Friendly and easy to talk to.
Why might people choose to move from cities to coastal towns?
Because living near water helps them feel less stressed and more revived.
What organization studied how to make urban areas friendlier?
Happy City Lab
In which type of office did people perform best?
The “empowered” office they decorated themselves.
What is the meaning of “speculated”?
To guess or form a theory without firm evidence.