Psychosocial Value of Space Reading Answers

Psychosocial Value of Space

What would a building look like if it was built to encourage psychological and social well-being? What impact would it have on our mind, emotions, and senses? What kind of impact would it have on people's habits? Zoos, rather than buildings, are a good place to look for clues. In the last several years, zoo design has seen significant development. Natural ecosystems and animal clustering have taken the place of cages. The animals roam freely in some areas, but people are confined to vehicles or trains that go through the ecosystem. Animals are now housed in mixed-species exhibits that are more akin to their natural surroundings. Animals have much more control over their behaviour in the lab than they do in nature. They can be watched in the lab. They play and eat and live just like normal animals. 

What influenced this transformation in philosophy and design? Concern for animals' psychological and social well-being was a major aspect. Zoos might keep animals alive, but not thrive. Pacing, repetitive gestures, aggressiveness, and withdrawal are all commonly known neurotic symptoms in caged animals. Another example: the Central Park Zoo engaged an animal psychologist to research a polar bear who spent the day swimming in an infinite figure of eight in its little pool. The zoo was concerned because this wasn't typical polar bear behaviour. The animal psychologist gave a diagnosis after several days of observation. The bear was dissatisfied. To make up for the tragic circumstance, the zoo added facilities and toys to the bear's habitat to encourage exploration and play.

Questions 1 - 5

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the Reading Passage?
Write
YES, if the statement agrees with the claims of the writer
NO, if the statement contradicts the claims of the writer
NOT GIVEN, if it is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this

1. Animals in zoos need the same freedom that other animals get.
2. Zoos allow animals to thrive.
3. Polar bears are satisfied with the swimming pool they get in the zoos.
4. Aggressiveness is a common neurotic symptoms in caged animals.
5. The environment plays a significant role in the physical aspects in animals.

1.Answer:Yes
Explanation: They play and eat and live just like normal animals. 

2.Answer:No
Explanation: Zoos might keep animals alive, but not thrive.

3.Answer:No
Explanation: The animal psychologist gave a diagnosis after several days of observation. The bear was dissatisfied.

4.Answer:Yes
Explanation: Pacing, repetitive gestures, aggressiveness, and withdrawal are all commonly known neurotic symptoms in caged animals.

5.Answer:Not Given
Explanation: The particular information is not available in the passage.