Research Activity

Running head: RESEARCH ACTIVITY
Unit Reference- Number D/507/9468
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1RESEARCH ACTIVITY
Executive summary
Green spaces such as, nature reserves, parks, woods sports fields, natural meadows, wetlands,
and other ecosystems, characterise an essential component of all urban ecosystems. Presence
of green areas facilitate physical and mental activity and bring about relaxation among the
residents. Urban green spaces also play a crucial role in providing relief from stress and
anxiety. This report contains a research proposal and a critical appraisal of a systematic
review, in relation to the impacts of greenery on the physical and mental wellbeing of
patients.

2RESEARCH ACTIVITY
Table of Contents
Task 1- Research proposal.........................................................................................................3
References..................................................................................................................................6
Task 2- Critique of a research article.........................................................................................8
Focus......................................................................................................................................8
Background............................................................................................................................9
Aim.......................................................................................................................................10
Methodological approach.....................................................................................................10
Data collection methods/tools..............................................................................................11
Data analysis and presentation.............................................................................................12
Sample..................................................................................................................................13
Ethical considerations..........................................................................................................13
Main Findings......................................................................................................................14
Conclusions and recommendations......................................................................................15
Strengths and limitations......................................................................................................16
Application to practice.........................................................................................................16
References................................................................................................................................17

3RESEARCH ACTIVITY
Task 1- Research proposal
Introduction- There is mounting evidence for the fact that visual exposure to greenery
assists in the recovery of dementia patients, from stress (de Keijzer et al. 2016). Furthermore,
exposure to gardens have also been correlated with reduced levels of anxiety among patients
in residential care unit (Beyer et al. 2014). This report will contain a research proposal that
will focus on determining the behavioural and physiological effects of visual exposure to
greenery.
Problem statement- Mental health conditions that encompass abnormal behavioural and
physiological manifestation, often comprise of anxiety and major depressive disorders, and
are of chief public health concern (Ekkel and de Vries 2017). Several research investigations
have drawn the conclusion that exposure to nature does provide relief from anxiety and
stress, besides increasing social interaction, encouraging physical exercise, and soothing
mental illness (Astell-Burt, Mitchell and Hartig 2014). Furthermore, it has been proved that
exposure to nature and green spaces boosts mental health and also increases happiness.
Greenery and green spaces refer to maintained and unmaintained environmental zones that
comprise of urban parks, wilderness, and nature reserves. Recent studies suggest that global
urbanisation have resulted in a decrease in engagement with and access to green-spaces,
despite the mounting evidence of existence of a positive relationship between wellbeing and
green spaces (Wolch, Byrne and Newell 2014). Furthermore, people also report the presence
of improved cortisol profiles while residing in urban zones with greater greenery, in
comparison to those with reduced green-space (Kardan et al. 2015). However, there exists a
gap in literature with regards to the effects that visual exposure to greenery creates on the
physiological wellbeing of people.