Methodological Review of Artificial Plants as Meaningful Stimuli in Environmental Psychology
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Abstract
This methodological review aims to reposition artificial plants from comparison conditions to meaningful stimuli in psychophysiological research. Despite widespread use in design, empirical evidence remains limited. A systematic search spanning 2014–2024 across Scopus, WOS, and Google Scholar identified only nine experimental studies, predominantly short-term laboratory investigations with small samples relying on self-report measures.
Five key findings emerged from the synthesis. Artificial plants demonstrate positive effects versus no-plant conditions, but generally underperform compared to live plants. Some studies report comparable effects to real plants, challenging biophilia hypothesis assumptions about biological authenticity. Perceived authenticity significantly influences outcomes, with disclosure reducing naturalness evaluations despite unchanged physical properties. Specific populations, including children, the elderly, and patients, demonstrate heightened responsiveness while arrangement characteristics affect results. Methodological limitations, including short durations and a lack of integrated physiological measures, constrain conclusions to trends rather than comprehensive findings.
The review proposes methodological repositioning of artificial plants as legitimate research variables rather than control conditions. This perspective expands theoretical frameworks for Attention Restoration Theory, Stress Reduction Theory, and the biophilia hypothesis while supporting evidence-based design in contemporary architecture and landscape architecture, particularly where live plant use faces practical constraints. This repositioning advances both theoretical understanding and practical applications in environmental design research.
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