The effects of density and expectation on academic performance and ratings of spatial and social satisfaction were investigated. Ss were all volunteers who resided in on-campus residence halls in one of two arrangements: high density,' three students sharing a dormitory room, and low density, the conventional two students per dormitory room. Subjects' responses to a questionnaire determined their placement in either the confirmed or disconfirmed expectation category. Grade point averages and satisfaction measures compiled during the academic quarter were significantly negatively affected by exposure to density. A second study replicated the results, demonstrating that density led to both greater dissatisfaction and more frequent avoidance responses.
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