Ecological Psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on the relationship between individuals and their environments. It emphasizes how people perceive and interact with their surroundings, considering factors like social, physical, and cultural contexts. This approach highlights the importance of understanding behavior in relation to the environment rather than isolating it from external influences.
One key figure in this field is James J. Gibson, who introduced the concept of "affordances," which refers to the opportunities for action that the environment provides to individuals. Ecological Psychology aims to explore how these interactions shape perception, cognition, and behavior, ultimately contributing to a deeper understanding of human experience.