Environmental Influences on Attention, Decision-Making, and Learning: An Ecological Perspective on Urban Human Behavior

Abstract:

This paper examines how urban and natural environments shape core cognitive processes—attention, decision-making, and learning—through an ecological psychology framework. Drawing on empirical research and theoretical insights, it explores how environmental features such as noise, green space, spatial complexity, and social density influence cognitive functioning. The analysis reveals that urban environments present unique cognitive challenges (e.g., attentional fatigue, decision overload) but also adaptive opportunities, while natural settings often enhance cognitive restoration and learning efficiency. The paper integrates these findings into a conceptual model of "cognitive ecology," emphasizing reciprocal interactions between individuals and their physical surroundings. Practical implications for urban design, education, and public health are discussed, highlighting how optimizing environmental features can support adaptive cognitive functioning in diverse contexts.