Finding Articles: Indexes & Databases
Due to the interdisciplinary character of the field, there is not a single database that covers all journal publications relevant to research in environmental psychology.The results of such research are reported in architectural, design, planning, geographic, and related publications, as well as in the psychological literature. As a result, it is necessary to search multiple bibliographic sources to find pertinent research.
Major Indexes
Together the following databases provide coverage of most of the relevant literature.
- Avery Index to Architectural Periodicals. For work on environmental psychology and environmental design appearing in architectural and related periodicals. It includes citations for more popular treatments as well as scholarly articles.
- InformeDesign. “Where research informs design.” A clearing house for design research, provided through the collaboration of the University of Minnesota and the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). Among other features, it includes a classified index and summaries of research appearing in selected peer-reviewed journals.
- PsycINFO. The major index for psychological literature, including many publications in environmental psychology, often with full text available.
Supplementary Databases
Depending on the specific area of investigation a number of other databases and indexes may include relevant material.
- Art Index/Art Full Text. For environmental psychology in art, architecture, and design periodicals. Partially overlaps Avery.
- Design and Applied Arts Index (DAAI). For information on the application of environmental psychology to design.
- Environmental Sciences & Pollution Management (ESPM). For the more technical aspects of environmental design. Contains a number of relevant sub-files, including Environmental Engineering Abstracts.
- Garden, Landscape, & Horticultural Literature. Includes articles on the psychological effects of landscape and green space.
- GeoBase. Includes abstracts of materials concerning the human geography of the built environment, way-finding, and related issues
- Health and Safety Science Abstracts. For literature on human factors/ergonomics and the design of optimal work environments.
- Human Population & Natural Resource Management. For the “greener” aspects of environmental psychology, environmental design, and the relations between people and their natural environments. Includes substantial coverage of grey literature not issued through standard channels of publication.
Environmental Psychology Journals
Core Journals
These three journals are devoted almost exclusively to the publication and review of research in environmental psychology. Titles link to on-line versions where available.
- Environment and Behavior. 1969–. Published in cooperation with EDRA, this journal provides perspectives from a variety of disciplines on the interaction of humans with their environments. It includes book reviews and discussions as well as original research reports. Published six times a year. Last ten years in City Planning Library, earlier volumes in the Main Stacks 309.2605 EN.
- Journal of Architecture and Planning Research (JAPR). 1984–. Continues The Journal of Architectural Research (1970–). Connects theoretical and empirical research with architectural and urban planning practice. Quarterly. Last ten years in Ricker and City Planning Libraries, earlier years in Main Stacks. 711.1305 JO.
- Journal of Environmental Psychology. 1981–. Contains multidisciplinary research on the relationships and transactions between people and their socio-physical environments. Includes occasional in-depth book reviews. Quarterly. Physical copies in the Ricker Library.
Other Journals
While they are not devoted solely to environmental psychology, relevant research articles often appear in the following journals. Also included are some environmental psychology journals that have ceased publication.
- Architectural Science Review. 1958–. Recent issues in Ricker, bound volumes in Main Stacks Q. 720.5 ARS .
- Architecture & Comportement = Architecture & Behavior. 1980–1995, ceased. Main Stacks 720.103 AR25
- ARQ: Architecture Research Quarterly. 1995–. Ricker Library.
- Building and Environment. 1964–. Recent issues in Ricker Library, older volumes in Main Stacks Q. 690.5 BUS.
- Environment and Planning. A family of journals concerned broadly with theoretical and empirical research on space and spatial arrangement.
- Environment and Planning A. 1969–. City Planning Library, Map & Geography Library 711.405 EN.
- Environment and Planning B: Planning and Design. 1974–. Map & Geography Library 711.405 EN1.
- Environment and Planning C: Government and Policy. 1981–. Past eight years in City Planning and Map & Geography Libraries; older volumes in Stacks 350.05 EN.
- Environment and Planning D: Society and Space. 1983–. Map & Geography Library 300.5 EN.
- Environment and Urbanization. 1989–. Recent issues in City Planning Library.
- Human Ecology. 1972–. Last 10 years in Education Library (Print cancelled 2004). Previous vols. in Main Stacks 301.305 HU.
- Journal of Environmental Planning & Management. 1992–. Continues Planning Outlook. Recent issues City Planning Library, bound volumes in Main Stacks 710.105 PLO1.
- Journal of Planning Literature. 1985–. Also includes abstracts of planning literature appearing in other publications. Past ten years in City Planning Library, earlier volumes in Main Stacks 711.405 JOP.
- Journal of Urban Affairs. 1981–. Formed from the union of Urban Interest and Urban Affairs. Past ten years in City Planning Library, earlier volumes in Main Stacks 307.7605 JO.
- Man-Environment Systems. 1969–1987. Ceased. Main Stacks 301.305 MANE.
- Open House International. 1976–. Current issues in Ricker, bound volumes, beginning with vol. 8 (1983) in Main Stacks Q. 728.05 OP.
- Places. 1983–. Complete run in Ricker Library, last five years in City Planning Library, older volumes in Main Stacks 711.05 PLA.
Newsletters, etc.
While they do not contained peer-reviewed articles or detailed reports of research, the following periodicals can be helpful in keeping up-to-date on professional activities in the field.
- Design Research News (DRN). Published by EDRA, provides news of current developments in environmental design research, including organizational activities.
- IAAP Newsletter -- Division of Environmental Psychology. Notes of the activities of the Environmental Psychology Division of the International Association of Applied Psychology, along with announcements of conferences, new publications, etc. Often quite brief.
- Population and Environmental Psychology. The newsletter of Division 34 of the APA. Published twice a year, the spring issue contains abstracts of relevant papers to be presented at the APA convention.
- Research Design Connections. 2002–. “The knowledge tool to create great places” Commercially oriented magazine on the application of research to environmental design. City Planning 745.4 RE.
