Territorial cognition: Assessing Altman's typology.

The empirical validity of Altman's typology of human territories was assessed using a modified Kelly Rep Grid procedure. Urban and suburban subjects, matched on several variables, were interviewed in their homes. It was expected that suburban subjects, as compared to urban subjects, would perceive more control over secondary and public territories. Results confirmed the validity of Altman's typology and the importance of the dimensions of centrality and temporal duration. The expected urban versus suburban differences were obtained. Results also indicated that primary and secondary territories, by providing the setting for interaction at varying levels of formality and exclusion, possessed role-structuring properties. Future research on human territoriality should take a multimethod approach and explore the covariation of territorial cognitions and behaviors.