Analysis of the way the environment influences our behavior is essential to our understanding of human development. This volume collects original, never published work that describes how we conceptualize, think, and behave. Environment and Behavior presents empirical studies that test theoretical assumptions and illustrate how to integrate environmental awareness into professional practice and design.The ability to categorize—to think in larger and more inclusive classifications and at the same time in smaller and more exclusive subdivisions—is a hallmark of conceptual development. It is the kind of development that makes us distinctly rational, symbolic, and logical. This book presents a new way of viewing the conceptual development of normal and special-categories children and the conceptual reorganization of adults. Individual conceptual ability is demonstrated across an impressive range of issues: private events; language development and function; child abuse, sexual abuse, drug abuse; autism; aging; professional practice; and environmental and cultural design. Additional commentary for each section is provided by the editors.Those working or studying in the areas of psychology, education, human development, social work, and disability will find this book to be current and a thorough introduction to this subject. Professionals and researchers also will find much of interest in this collection.