Introduction

Abstract

The purpose of this volume is to explore theory, problem formulation, and methodology in “experiencing the environment.” In this embryonic field, the writings of a number of individuals already stand out as representative of distinctive viewpoints. In order to facilitate further development of the field, a conference¹ was proposed to gather in one place representatives of a number of major viewpoints with regard to the embryonic field of “environmental psychology.” It was hoped that a colloquy among such representatives would facilitate a clarification of the similarities and differences between the various perspectives, and might enable proponents of any given point of view to benefit from the insights of others with different orientations. Hopefully, it might also promote a greater articulation for this emerging field of inquiry. With these ends in mind, the sponsors of the conference asked the various prospective participants to present their theoretical positions and representative research illustrative of those positions.