51
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Geary DC. Spatial ability as a distinct domain of human cognition: An evolutionary perspective. INTELLIGENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intell.2021.101616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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52
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Levine TF, Roe CM, Babulal GM, Fagan AM, Head D. Limited Longitudinal Change in Self-reported Spatial Navigation Ability in Preclinical Alzheimer Disease. Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord 2022; 36:15-21. [PMID: 34966024 PMCID: PMC8881346 DOI: 10.1097/wad.0000000000000487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Subtle changes in objective spatial navigation ability have been observed in the preclinical stage of Alzheimer disease (AD) cross-sectionally and have been found to predict clinical progression. However, longitudinal change in self-reported spatial navigation ability in preclinical AD has yet to be examined. The current study examined whether AD biomarkers suggestive of preclinical AD at baseline spatial navigation assessment and APOE genotype predicted decline in self-reported spatial navigation ability and whether APOE genotype moderated the association of AD biomarkers with change in self-reported spatial navigation. Clinically normal (Clinical Dementia Rating Scale=0) adults aged 56 to 90 completed the Santa Barbara Sense of Direction Scale (SBSOD) annually for an average of 2.73 years. Biomarker data was collected within +/-2 years of baseline (ie, cerebrospinal fluid Aβ42, p-tau181, p-tau181/Aβ42 ratio, positron emission tomography imaging with Florbetapir or Pittsburgh Compound-B, and hippocampal volume). APOE genotyping was obtained for all participants. SBSOD demonstrated a nonsignificant trend toward a decline over time (P=0.082). AD biomarkers did not predict change in self-reported spatial navigation (all Ps>0.163). APOE genotype did not moderate the relationship between AD biomarkers and self-reported spatial navigation in planned analyses (all Ps>0.222). Results suggest that self-reported spatial navigation ability, as estimated with the SBSOD, may be limited as a measure of subtle cognitive change in the preclinical stage of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor F. Levine
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
| | - Catherine M. Roe
- Charles F. and Joanne Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Ganesh M. Babulal
- Charles F. and Joanne Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Anne M. Fagan
- Charles F. and Joanne Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Denise Head
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
- Charles F. and Joanne Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
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53
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Feraco T, Bonvento M, Meneghetti C. Orienteering: What relation with visuospatial abilities, wayfinding attitudes, and environment learning? APPLIED COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/acp.3882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Feraco
- Department of General Psychology University of Padova Padua Italy
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54
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Ligonnière V, Gyselinck V, Lhuillier S, Mostafavi M, Dommes A. How does the visual and cognitive saliency of landmarks improve construction of spatial representations in younger and older adults? SPATIAL COGNITION AND COMPUTATION 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/13875868.2021.1992410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Ligonnière
- Université Gustave Eiffel, Université de Paris, LaPEA, Versailles, France
| | - V. Gyselinck
- Université Gustave Eiffel, Université de Paris, LaPEA, Versailles, France
| | - S. Lhuillier
- Université Gustave Eiffel, Université de Paris, LaPEA, Versailles, France
| | - M.A. Mostafavi
- Centre de Recherche en Données et Intelligence Géospatiales, Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherche en Réadaptation et Intégration Sociale, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - A. Dommes
- Université Gustave Eiffel, PICS-L, Versailles, France
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55
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Castillo J, Carmona I, Commins S, Fernández S, Ortells JJ, Cimadevilla JM. Spatial Recognition Memory: Differential Brain Strategic Activation According to Sex. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:736778. [PMID: 34539360 PMCID: PMC8441006 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.736778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human spatial memory research has significantly progressed since the development of computerized tasks, with many studies examining sex-related performances. However, few studies explore the underlying electrophysiological correlates according to sex. In this study event-related potentials were compared between male and female participants during the performance of an allocentric spatial recognition task. Twenty-nine university students took part in the research. Results showed that while general performance was similar in both sexes, the brain of males and females displayed a differential activation. Males showed increased N200 modulation than females in the three phases of memory process (encoding, maintenance, and retrieval). Meanwhile females showed increased activation of P300 in the three phases of memory process compared to males. In addition, females exhibited more negative slow wave (NSW) activity during the encoding phase. These differences are discussed in terms of attentional control and the allocation of attentional resources during spatial processing. Our findings demonstrate that sex modulates the resources recruited to performed this spatial task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquín Castillo
- Department of Psychology, University of Almería, Almeria, Spain.,Health Research Center, University of Almería, Almeria, Spain
| | - Isabel Carmona
- Department of Psychology, University of Almería, Almeria, Spain.,Health Research Center, University of Almería, Almeria, Spain
| | - Sean Commins
- Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Kildare, Ireland
| | - Sergio Fernández
- Department of Psychology, University of Almería, Almeria, Spain.,Health Research Center, University of Almería, Almeria, Spain
| | - Juan José Ortells
- Department of Psychology, University of Almería, Almeria, Spain.,Health Research Center, University of Almería, Almeria, Spain
| | - José Manuel Cimadevilla
- Department of Psychology, University of Almería, Almeria, Spain.,Health Research Center, University of Almería, Almeria, Spain
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56
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Miola L, Muffato V, Meneghetti C, Pazzaglia F. Spatial Learning in a Virtual Environment: The Role of Self-Efficacy Feedback and Individual Visuospatial Factors. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11091185. [PMID: 34573205 PMCID: PMC8467250 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11091185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined the roles self-efficacy plays in environmental learning in terms of self-efficacy feedback and task-specific (navigation-based) self-efficacy. We manipulated self-efficacy using positive and neutral feedback to investigate the relationship between receiving positive feedback and environmental learning performance and subsequent recall. A total of 231 participants were administered visuospatial tasks, where 117 received positive feedback, and 114 received neutral feedback. Then, we tested environmental learning using route retracing, pointing, and map-completion tasks. Before each environmental task, participants evaluated their task-specific self-efficacy. A series of spatial self-reported preferences were gathered as well. Mediation models showed that receiving positive feedback after a visuospatial task influences environmental recall performance through the mediation of task-specific self-efficacy. Moreover, after accounting for experimental manipulation and gender, we found that task-specific self-efficacy, sense of direction, and visuospatial abilities influence spatial-recall task performance, even with some differences as a function of the specific recall tasks considered. Overall, our findings suggest that among individual characteristics, task-specific self-efficacy can sustain environmental learning. Furthermore, giving positive feedback can improve spatial self-efficacy before conducting spatial-recall tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Miola
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (V.M.); (C.M.); (F.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Veronica Muffato
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (V.M.); (C.M.); (F.P.)
| | - Chiara Meneghetti
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (V.M.); (C.M.); (F.P.)
| | - Francesca Pazzaglia
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (V.M.); (C.M.); (F.P.)
- Interuniversity Research Centre in Environmental Psychology (CIRPA), 00185 Rome, Italy
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57
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Sex Differences and the Role of Gaming Experience in Spatial Cognition Performance in Primary School Children: An Exploratory Study. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11070886. [PMID: 34356121 PMCID: PMC8301968 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11070886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex differences are repeatedly observed in spatial cognition tasks. However, the role of environmental factors such as gaming experience remains unclear. In this exploratory study, navigation and object-relocation were combined in a naturalistic virtual reality-based spatial task. The sample consisted of n = 53 Dutch children aged 9–11 years. Overall, girls (n = 24) and boys (n = 29) performed equally accurately, although there was an increase in accuracy with age for boys (ηp2 = 0.09). Boys navigated faster than girls (ηp2 = 0.29), and this difference increased with age (ηp2 = 0.07). More gaming experience in boys versus girls (Cohen’s d = 0.88) did not explain any result observed. We encourage future confirmatory studies to use the paradigm presented here to investigate the current results in a larger sample. These findings could be beneficial for optimizing spatial cognition training interventions.
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Giancola M, Verde P, Cacciapuoti L, Angelino G, Piccardi L, Bocchi A, Palmiero M, Nori R. Do Advanced Spatial Strategies Depend on the Number of Flight Hours? The Case of Military Pilots. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11070851. [PMID: 34202312 PMCID: PMC8301766 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11070851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Military pilots show advanced visuospatial skills. Previous studies demonstrate that they are better at mentally rotating a target, taking different perspectives, estimating distances and planning travel and have a topographic memory. Here, we compared navigational cognitive styles between military pilots and people without flight experience. Pilots were expected to be more survey-style users than nonpilots, showing more advanced navigational strategies. METHOD A total of 106 military jet pilots from the Italian Air Force and 92 nonpilots from the general population matched for education with the pilots were enrolled to investigate group differences in navigational styles. The participants were asked to perform a reduced version of the Spatial Cognitive Style Test (SCST), consisting of six tasks that allow us to distinguish individuals in terms of landmark (people orient themselves by using a figurative memory for environmental objects), route (people use an egocentric representation of the space) and survey (people have a map-like representation of the space) user styles. RESULTS In line with our hypothesis, military pilots mainly adopt the survey style, whereas nonpilots mainly adopt the route style. In addition, pilots outperformed nonpilots in both the 3D Rotation Task and Map Description Task. CONCLUSIONS Military flight expertise influences some aspects of spatial ability, leading to enhanced human navigation. However, it must be considered that they are a population whose navigational skills were already high at the time of selection at the academy before formal training began.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Giancola
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.G.); (M.P.)
| | - Paola Verde
- Aerospace Medicine Department, Aerospace Test Division, Italian Air Force, 00071 Pomezia, Italy; (L.C.); (G.A.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Luigi Cacciapuoti
- Aerospace Medicine Department, Aerospace Test Division, Italian Air Force, 00071 Pomezia, Italy; (L.C.); (G.A.)
| | - Gregorio Angelino
- Aerospace Medicine Department, Aerospace Test Division, Italian Air Force, 00071 Pomezia, Italy; (L.C.); (G.A.)
| | - Laura Piccardi
- Department of Psychology “Sapienza”, University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.P.); (A.B.)
- Cognitive and Motor Rehabilitation and Neuroimaging Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Bocchi
- Department of Psychology “Sapienza”, University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.P.); (A.B.)
| | - Massimiliano Palmiero
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.G.); (M.P.)
| | - Raffaella Nori
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
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59
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Guidetti G, Guidetti R, Quaglieri S. Sport as a Factor in Improving Visual Spatial Cognitive Deficits in Patients with Hearing Loss and Chronic Vestibular Deficit. Audiol Res 2021; 11:291-300. [PMID: 34205364 PMCID: PMC8293059 DOI: 10.3390/audiolres11020027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hearing loss and chronic vestibular pathologies require brain adaptive mechanisms supported by a cross-modal cortical plasticity. They are often accompanied by cognitive deficits. Spatial memory is a cognitive process responsible for recording information about the spatial environment and spatial orientation. Visual-spatial working memory (VSWM) is a kind of short-term working memory that allows spatial information to be temporarily stored and manipulated. It can be conditioned by hearing loss and also well-compensated chronic vestibular deficit. Vestibular rehabilitation and hearing aid devices or training are able to improve the VSWM. We studied 119 subjects suffering from perinatal or congenital hearing loss, compared with 532 healthy subjects and 404 patients with well-compensated chronic vestibular deficit (CVF). VSWM was evaluated by the eCorsi test. The subjects suffering from chronic hearing loss and/or unilateral or bilateral vestibular deficit showed a VSWM less efficient than healthy people, but much better than those with CVF, suggesting a better multimodal adaptive strategy, probably favored by a cross-modal plasticity which also provides habitual use of lip reading. The sport activity cancels the difference with healthy subjects. It is therefore evident that patients with this type of deficit since childhood should be supported and advised on a sport activity or repeated vestibular stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Silvia Quaglieri
- Otorinolaringoiatria, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
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60
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Ghamari H, Sharifi A. Mapping the Evolutions and Trends of Literature on Wayfinding in Indoor Environments. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2021; 11:585-606. [PMID: 34708826 PMCID: PMC8314368 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe11020042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on indoor wayfinding has increased in number and significance since the 1980s. Yet, the information on wayfinding literature is now difficult to manage given its vast scope and spread across journals, institutions, disciplines, and themes. While there is an increasing number of publications within this rapidly growing field of research, there are limited review studies in the field, and there is still missing an overall analysis of the current state of wayfinding literature and its evolution. The main objective of this study is to present a bibliometric analysis of about forty years of research on indoor wayfinding to provide an overview of the research landscape. The final database of the study contained 407 publications. VOSviewer was used as a science mapping software tool to identify major focus areas and to identify influential authors, publications, and journals using various network analysis techniques, such as term co-occurrence, co-citation, and bibliographic coupling. Similar co-occurrence analysis was used to understand how the intellectual base of the field has evolved over time and what the major themes are that have contributed to this evolution. The results show that this field has initially been mainly focused on few themes but has later become more diversified to acknowledge the multi-dimensional characteristics of indoor wayfinding. While spatial knowledge acquisition and cognitive maps are still dominant core areas, there are topics, such as signage, isovists, and the use of eye-tracking and virtual reality, that still need to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hessam Ghamari
- Interior Design Program, Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, College of Health and Human Development, California State University Northridge, Northridge, CA 91330, USA
| | - Ayyoob Sharifi
- Network for Education and Research on Peace and Sustainability (NERPS), Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 739-8511, Japan;
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61
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Morawietz C, Muehlbauer T. Effects of Physical Exercise Interventions on Spatial Orientation in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Scoping Review. Front Sports Act Living 2021; 3:664640. [PMID: 34222859 PMCID: PMC8247469 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2021.664640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Regular physical exercise plays an integral part in the psychomotor and psychosocial development of children and adolescents, with complex motor and cognitive processes closely linked. Spatial abilities, one aspect of cognitive functioning start to evolve from earliest childhood and reach adult-like levels by early adolescence. As they have been associated with good spatial orientation, wayfinding, map-reading skills, problem solving or analyzing spatial information, these skills facilitate independence and autonomy while growing up. Despite promising results, only few studies investigate this relation between physical exercise and spatial abilities. To use this benefit and develop purposive physical exercise interventions, it is essential to summarize the current evidence. Objectives: This literature review aims to systematically summarize findings regarding the impact of physical exercise interventions on spatial abilities in healthy children and adolescents and identify knowledge gaps. Methods: A systematic search of the literature according to the PRISMA guidelines was conducted on the databases Pubmed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, SportDiscus, and PsycInfo from their inception date till March 2021. Additionally, Google Scholar and refence lists of relevant publications were searched. A descriptive analysis of results was conducted. Results: The literature search identified a total of N = 1,215 records, 11 of which met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed in this review. A total of 621 participants aged 4 to 15 years participated in the studies. Exercise interventions included sport-specific activities, motor-coordinative exercises, high-intensity functional training or spatial orientation/navigation training. Five studies evaluated training effects on mental rotation performance (i.e., Mental Rotation Test), four studies investigated visuo-spatial working memory function/spatial memory (i.e., Corsi Block Test, Virtual Reality Morris Water Maze) and two studies tested spatial orientation capacity (i.e., Orientation-Running Test). Overall, results show a potential for improvement of spatial abilities through physical exercise interventions. However, keeping the diversity of study designs, populations and outcomes in mind, findings need to be interpreted with care. Conclusions: Despite growing interest on the effects of physical exercise interventions on spatial abilities and promising findings of available studies, evidence to date remains limited. Future research is needed to establish how spatial ability development of healthy children and adolescents can be positively supported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Morawietz
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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62
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Bocchi A, Palmiero M, Redondo JMC, Tascón L, Nori R, Piccardi L. The Role of Gender and Familiarity in a Modified Version of the Almeria Boxes Room Spatial Task. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11060681. [PMID: 34067401 PMCID: PMC8224594 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11060681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Individual factors like gender and familiarity can affect the kind of environmental representation that a person acquires during spatial navigation. Men seem to prefer relying on map-like survey representations, while women prefer using sequential route representations. Moreover, a good familiarity with the environment allows more complete environmental representations. This study was aimed at investigating gender differences in two different object-position learning tasks (i.e., Almeria Boxes Tasks) assuming a route or a survey perspective also considering the role of environmental familiarity. Two groups of participants had to learn the position of boxes placed in a virtual room. Participants had several trials, so that familiarity with the environment could increase. In both tasks, the effects of gender and familiarity were found, and only in the route perspective did an interaction effect emerge. This suggests that gender differences can be found regardless of the perspective taken, with men outperforming women in navigational tasks. However, in the route task, gender differences appeared only at the initial phase of learning, when the environment was unexplored, and disappeared when familiarity with the environment increased. This is consistent with studies showing that familiarity can mitigate gender differences in spatial tasks, especially in more complex ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Bocchi
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Massimiliano Palmiero
- Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy;
| | | | - Laura Tascón
- Department of Psychology, University of Cordoba, 14014 Cordoba, Spain;
| | - Raffaella Nori
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Laura Piccardi
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- Cognitive and Motor Rehabilitation and Neuroimaging Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy
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Hodgkiss A, Gilligan-Lee KA, Thomas MSC, Tolmie AK, Farran EK. The developmental trajectories of spatial skills in middle childhood. BRITISH JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 39:566-583. [PMID: 34003512 PMCID: PMC8519147 DOI: 10.1111/bjdp.12380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The multidimensional structure of spatial ability remains a debated issue. However, the developmental trajectories of spatial skills have yet to be investigated as a source of evidence within this debate. We tested the intrinsic versus extrinsic and static versus dynamic dimensions of the Uttal et al. (2013, Psychol. Bull., 139, 352) typology in relation to spatial development. Participants (N = 184) aged 6–11 completed spatial tasks chosen to measure these spatial dimensions. The results indicated that the developmental trajectories of intrinsic versus extrinsic skills differed significantly. Intrinsic skills improved more between 6 and 8 years, and 7 and 8 years, than extrinsic skills. Extrinsic skills increased more between 8 and 10 years than intrinsic skills. The trajectories of static versus dynamic skills did not differ significantly. The findings support the intrinsic versus extrinsic, but not the static versus dynamic dimension, of the Uttal et al. (2013, Psychol. Bull., 139, 352) typology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michael S C Thomas
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, UK
| | - Andrew K Tolmie
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, UCL Institute of Education, UCL, London, UK
| | - Emily K Farran
- School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
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64
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Nori R, Boccia M, Palmiero M, Piccardi L. The contribution of field independence in virtual spatial updating. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-01788-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AbstractField independence (FI) is the extent to which a person perceives part of a field as discrete from the surrounding field rather than embedded in the field. Several studies proposed that it represents a cognitive style that is a relatively stable individuals’ predisposition towards information processing. This study investigated the effects of Field Independence/Field Dependence (FI/FD) cognitive style on topographic memory in a virtual environment. Seventy-nine college students completed the Embedded Figure Test as a measure of FI/FD cognitive style and learned two paths in the VR-Walking Corsi Test apparatus. After the learning phase, participants had to reproduce the paths from a familiar perspective or unfamiliar perspectives. Data showed that FI cognitive style predicted the ability to reproduce a path from unfamiliar perspectives, suggesting a different impact of the angle degree. Results are discussed considering the facilitation of body axes references and the increasing difficulty due to maintaining online perspectives with higher angle degrees that increase the visuo-spatial working memory cognitive load. These results support the idea that FI predicts human navigation.
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65
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Nardi D, Singer KJ, Price KM, Carpenter SE, Bryant JA, Hatheway MA, Johnson JN, Pairitz AK, Young KL, Newcombe NS. Navigating without vision: spontaneous use of terrain slant in outdoor place learning. SPATIAL COGNITION AND COMPUTATION 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/13875868.2021.1916504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Nardi
- Department of Psychological Science, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, USA
| | - Katelyn J. Singer
- Department of Psychological Science, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, USA
| | - Krista M. Price
- Department of Psychological Science, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, USA
| | | | - Joseph A. Bryant
- Department of Psychological Science, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, USA
| | | | - Jada N. Johnson
- Department of Psychological Science, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, USA
| | - Annika K. Pairitz
- Department of Psychological Science, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, USA
| | - Keldyn L. Young
- Department of Psychological Science, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, USA
| | - Nora S. Newcombe
- Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Cultural Change Reduces Gender Differences in Mobility and Spatial Ability among Seminomadic Pastoralist-Forager Children in Northern Namibia. HUMAN NATURE-AN INTERDISCIPLINARY BIOSOCIAL PERSPECTIVE 2021; 32:178-206. [PMID: 33886079 DOI: 10.1007/s12110-021-09388-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
A fundamental cognitive function found across a wide range of species and necessary for survival is the ability to navigate complex environments. It has been suggested that mobility may play an important role in the development of spatial skills. Despite evolutionary arguments offering logical explanations for why sex/gender differences in spatial abilities and mobility might exist, thus far there has been limited sampling from nonindustrialized and subsistence-based societies. This lack of sampling diversity has left many unanswered questions regarding the effects that environmental variation and cultural norms may have in shaping mobility patterns during childhood and the development of spatial competencies that may be associated with it. Here we examine variation in mobility (through GPS tracking and interviews), performance on large-scale spatial skills (i.e., navigational ability), and performance on small-scale spatial skills (e.g., mental rotation task, Corsi blocks task, and water-level task) among Twa forager/pastoralist children whose daily lives have been dramatically altered since settlement and the introduction of government-funded boarding schools. Unlike in previous findings among Twa adults, boys and girls (N = 88; aged 6-18) show similar patterns of travel on all measures of mobility. We also find no significant differences in spatial task performance by gender for large- or small-scale spatial skills. Further, children performed as well as adults did on mental rotation, and they outperformed adults on the water-level task. We discuss how children's early learning environments may influence the development of both large- and small-scale spatial skills.
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Yu S, Boone AP, He C, Davis RC, Hegarty M, Chrastil ER, Jacobs EG. Age-Related Changes in Spatial Navigation Are Evident by Midlife and Differ by Sex. Psychol Sci 2021; 32:692-704. [PMID: 33819436 DOI: 10.1177/0956797620979185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that distinct aspects of successful navigation-path integration, spatial-knowledge acquisition, and navigation strategies-change with advanced age. Yet few studies have established whether navigation deficits emerge early in the aging process (prior to age 65) or whether early age-related deficits vary by sex. Here, we probed healthy young adults (ages 18-28) and midlife adults (ages 43-61) on three essential aspects of navigation. We found, first, that path-integration ability shows negligible effects of sex or age. Second, robust sex differences in spatial-knowledge acquisition are observed not only in young adulthood but also, although with diminished effect, at midlife. Third, by midlife, men and women show decreased ability to acquire spatial knowledge and increased reliance on taking habitual paths. Together, our findings indicate that age-related changes in navigation ability and strategy are evident as early as midlife and that path-integration ability is spared, to some extent, in the transition from youth to middle age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuying Yu
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara
| | - Alexander P Boone
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara
| | - Chuanxiuyue He
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara
| | - Rie C Davis
- Department of Geography, University of California, Santa Barbara
| | - Mary Hegarty
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara
| | - Elizabeth R Chrastil
- Department of Geography, University of California, Santa Barbara.,Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine
| | - Emily G Jacobs
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara.,Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara
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68
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Fernandez‐Baizan C, Arias JL, Mendez M. Egocentric and allocentric spatial memory in young children: A comparison with young adults. INFANT AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/icd.2216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Fernandez‐Baizan
- Neuroscience Institute of Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA) 33003 Oviedo Spain
- Department of Psychology University of Oviedo 33003 Oviedo Spain
| | - Jorge L. Arias
- Neuroscience Institute of Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA) 33003 Oviedo Spain
- Department of Psychology University of Oviedo 33003 Oviedo Spain
| | - Marta Mendez
- Neuroscience Institute of Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA) 33003 Oviedo Spain
- Department of Psychology University of Oviedo 33003 Oviedo Spain
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69
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Dump the "dimorphism": Comprehensive synthesis of human brain studies reveals few male-female differences beyond size. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 125:667-697. [PMID: 33621637 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
With the explosion of neuroimaging, differences between male and female brains have been exhaustively analyzed. Here we synthesize three decades of human MRI and postmortem data, emphasizing meta-analyses and other large studies, which collectively reveal few reliable sex/gender differences and a history of unreplicated claims. Males' brains are larger than females' from birth, stabilizing around 11 % in adults. This size difference accounts for other reproducible findings: higher white/gray matter ratio, intra- versus interhemispheric connectivity, and regional cortical and subcortical volumes in males. But when structural and lateralization differences are present independent of size, sex/gender explains only about 1% of total variance. Connectome differences and multivariate sex/gender prediction are largely based on brain size, and perform poorly across diverse populations. Task-based fMRI has especially failed to find reproducible activation differences between men and women in verbal, spatial or emotion processing due to high rates of false discovery. Overall, male/female brain differences appear trivial and population-specific. The human brain is not "sexually dimorphic."
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70
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Peer M, Brunec IK, Newcombe NS, Epstein RA. Structuring Knowledge with Cognitive Maps and Cognitive Graphs. Trends Cogn Sci 2021; 25:37-54. [PMID: 33248898 PMCID: PMC7746605 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2020.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Humans and animals use mental representations of the spatial structure of the world to navigate. The classical view is that these representations take the form of Euclidean cognitive maps, but alternative theories suggest that they are cognitive graphs consisting of locations connected by paths. We review evidence suggesting that both map-like and graph-like representations exist in the mind/brain that rely on partially overlapping neural systems. Maps and graphs can operate simultaneously or separately, and they may be applied to both spatial and nonspatial knowledge. By providing structural frameworks for complex information, cognitive maps and cognitive graphs may provide fundamental organizing schemata that allow us to navigate in physical, social, and conceptual spaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Peer
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Iva K Brunec
- Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Nora S Newcombe
- Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Russell A Epstein
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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71
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Newcombe NS. The Puzzle of Spatial Sex Differences: Current Status and Prerequisites to Solutions. CHILD DEVELOPMENT PERSPECTIVES 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/cdep.12389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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72
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Pu Y, Cornwell BR, Cheyne D, Johnson BW. Gender differences in navigation performance are associated with differential theta and high-gamma activities in the hippocampus and parahippocampus. Behav Brain Res 2020; 391:112664. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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73
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Serino S, Scarpina F, Chirico A, Dakanalis A, Di Lernia D, Colombo D, Catallo V, Pedroli E, Riva G. Gulliver's virtual travels: active embodiment in extreme body sizes for modulating our body representations. Cogn Process 2020; 21:509-520. [PMID: 32506217 PMCID: PMC7679308 DOI: 10.1007/s10339-020-00977-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
It is noted that the perceptual experience of body and space can be modulated by changing the action capabilities or by manipulating the perceived body dimensions through a multisensory stimulation. This study adds to pre-existing literature by investigating the alterations in bodily experience following embodiment to both enlarged and shrunked bodies, while participants actively navigated in a virtual environment. A normal-sized body served as a reference condition. After each embodied navigation, participants estimated the height and width of three different body parts. Results revealed that the embodiment over shrunked body induced a significant reduction in participants' body image, while no changes were reported after the embodiment over the enlarged body. Findings were discussed in terms of previous literature exploring the constraints implicated in the ownership over different bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Serino
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Via Magnasco 2, 20149, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Gemelli, 1, 20100, Milan, Italy.
- MySpace Lab, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University Hospital Lausanne (CHUV), Avenue Pierre Decker 5 CH-1011, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - F Scarpina
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, U.Odi Neurologia e Neuoriabilitazione, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Via Cadorna, 90, 28824, Piancavallo (VCO), Italy
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Via Cherasco, 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - A Chirico
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Gemelli, 1, 20100, Milan, Italy
| | - A Dakanalis
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia Italy, Piazza Botta, 6, 27100, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, 20900, Monza, Italy
| | - D Di Lernia
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Gemelli, 1, 20100, Milan, Italy
| | - D Colombo
- Department of Basic Psychology, Clinic and Psychobiology, Universitat Jaume I, Av. Sos Baynat, s/n, 12071, Castellón, Spain
| | - V Catallo
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Via Magnasco 2, 20149, Milan, Italy
| | - E Pedroli
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Via Magnasco 2, 20149, Milan, Italy
- Faculty of Psychology, eCampus University, Via Isimbardi, 10, 22060, Novedrate, Italy
| | - G Riva
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Via Magnasco 2, 20149, Milan, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Gemelli, 1, 20100, Milan, Italy
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Ferragud A, Velázquez-Sánchez C, Abdullatif AA, Sabino V, Cottone P. Withdrawal from Extended, Intermittent Access to A Highly Palatable Diet Impairs Hippocampal Memory Function and Neurogenesis: Effects of Memantine. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12051520. [PMID: 32456193 PMCID: PMC7284648 DOI: 10.3390/nu12051520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Compulsive eating can be promoted by intermittent access to palatable food and is often accompanied by cognitive deficits and reduction in hippocampal plasticity. Here, we investigated the effects of intermittent access to palatable food on hippocampal function and neurogenesis. Methods: Male Wistar rats were either fed chow for 7 days/week (Chow/Chow group), or fed chow intermittently for 5 days/week followed by a palatable diet for 2 days/week (Chow/Palatable group). Hippocampal function and neurogenesis were assessed either during withdrawal or following renewed access to palatable food. Furthermore, the ability of the uncompetitive N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist memantine to prevent the diet-induced memory deficits and block the maladaptive feeding was tested. Results: Palatable food withdrawn Chow/Palatable rats showed both a weakened ability for contextual spatial processing and a bias in their preference for a “novel cue” over a “novel place,” compared to controls. They also showed reduced expression of immature neurons in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus as well as a withdrawal-dependent decrease of proliferating cells. Memantine treatment was able both to reverse the memory deficits and to reduce the excessive intake of palatable diet and the withdrawal-induced hypophagia in food cycling rats. Conclusions: In summary, our results provide evidence that withdrawal from highly palatable food produces NMDAR-dependent deficits in hippocampal function and a reduction in hippocampal neurogenesis.
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Kelly JW, Ostrander AG, Lim AF, Cherep LA, Gilbert SB. Teleporting through virtual environments: Effects of path scale and environment scale on spatial updating. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON VISUALIZATION AND COMPUTER GRAPHICS 2020; 26:1841-1850. [PMID: 32070962 DOI: 10.1109/tvcg.2020.2973051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Virtual reality systems typically allow users to physically walk and turn, but virtual environments (VEs) often exceed the available walking space. Teleporting has become a common user interface, whereby the user aims a laser pointer to indicate the desired location, and sometimes orientation, in the VE before being transported without self-motion cues. This study evaluated the influence of rotational self-motion cues on spatial updating performance when teleporting, and whether the importance of rotational cues varies across movement scale and environment scale. Participants performed a triangle completion task by teleporting along two outbound path legs before pointing to the unmarked path origin. Rotational self-motion reduced overall errors across all levels of movement scale and environment scale, though it also introduced a slight bias toward under-rotation. The importance of rotational self-motion was exaggerated when navigating large triangles and when the surrounding environment was large. Navigating a large triangle within a small VE brought participants closer to surrounding landmarks and boundaries, which led to greater reliance on piloting (landmark-based navigation) and therefore reduced-but did not eliminate-the impact of rotational self-motion cues. These results indicate that rotational self-motion cues are important when teleporting, and that navigation can be improved by enabling piloting.
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76
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Peck TC, Sockol LE, Hancock SM. Mind the Gap: The Underrepresentation of Female Participants and Authors in Virtual Reality Research. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON VISUALIZATION AND COMPUTER GRAPHICS 2020; 26:1945-1954. [PMID: 32070984 DOI: 10.1109/tvcg.2020.2973498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A common goal of human-subject experiments in virtual reality (VR) research is evaluating VR hardware and software for use by the general public. A core principle of human-subject research is that the sample included in a given study should be representative of the target population; otherwise, the conclusions drawn from the findings may be biased and may not generalize to the population of interest. In order to assess whether characteristics of participants in VR research are representative of the general public, we investigated participant demographic characteristics from human-subject experiments in the Proceedings of the IEEE Virtual Reality Conferences from 2015-2019. We also assessed the representation of female authors. In the 325 eligible manuscripts, which presented results from 365 human-subject experiments, we found evidence of significant underrepresentation of women as both participants and authors. To investigate whether this underrepresentation may bias researchers' findings, we then conducted a meta-analysis and meta-regression to assess whether demographic characteristics of study participants were associated with a common outcome evaluated in VR research: the change in simulator sickness following head-mounted display VR exposure. As expected, participants in VR studies using HMDs experienced small but significant increases in simulator sickness. However, across the included studies, the change in simulator sickness was systematically associated with the proportion of female participants. We discuss the negative implications of conducting experiments on non-representative samples and provide methodological recommendations for mitigating bias in future VR research.
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77
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Fernandez-Baizan C, Nuñez P, Arias JL, Mendez M. Egocentric and allocentric spatial memory in typically developed children: Is spatial memory associated with visuospatial skills, behavior, and cortisol? Brain Behav 2020; 10:e01532. [PMID: 32170996 PMCID: PMC7218242 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Spatial orientation relies mainly on two frameworks. The egocentric depends on our own position and point of view. The allocentric relies on remembering, recalling, and recognizing environmental stimuli called landmarks. The aim of this study was to analyze the egocentric and allocentric spatial memory performance in children of different ages using two experimental memory card-placing tasks. We also aimed to examine relationships between spatial memory and other cognitive, physiological, and behavioral factors that, potentially, could be associated with spatial memory performance. Those were other visuospatial functions, the regular behavior of the child, cortisol levels, and daily life spatial memory. METHODS We assessed 62 children (5, 6, and 7 years) using card-placing tasks. We used RIST for IQ evaluation and subtest from NEPSY-II for visuospatial ability assessment. Collection of saliva sample was carried out for cortisol analysis. Parents completed BASC questionnaire for behavioral evaluation and ECM-Q questionnaire for daily life spatial memory evaluation. RESULTS Our results showed that older children performed better on mental rotation. Directionality, map interpretation, and daily memory were directly associated with both egocentric and allocentric orientation. Egocentric performance was positively related to leadership abilities but negatively to depression and atypicality, while allocentric performance was directly associated with adaptive behavior but inversely with hyperactivity. Finally, cortisol values were positively associated with allocentric performance. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows the development of different spatial abilities between 5 and 7 years, as well as the relationship between orientation performance, visuospatial skills, behavior, and cortisol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Fernandez-Baizan
- Faculty of Psychology, Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain.,Faculty of Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Paula Nuñez
- Faculty of Psychology, Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain.,Faculty of Medicine, Department of Functional Biology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Jorge L Arias
- Faculty of Psychology, Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain.,Faculty of Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Marta Mendez
- Faculty of Psychology, Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain.,Faculty of Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
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78
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Vieites V, Pruden SM, Reeb-Sutherland BC. Childhood wayfinding experience explains sex and individual differences in adult wayfinding strategy and anxiety. COGNITIVE RESEARCH-PRINCIPLES AND IMPLICATIONS 2020; 5:12. [PMID: 32185533 PMCID: PMC7078395 DOI: 10.1186/s41235-020-00220-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anyone who has ever found themselves lost while driving in an unfamiliar neighborhood or forgotten where they parked their car can appreciate the importance of being able to navigate their environment. Navigation, or wayfinding, is a large-scale spatial ability that involves keeping track of the relative positions of objects and features in space, which allows for determining the path to a goal location. Early experiences shape spatial skill development, and research finds sex differences in spatial behaviors from preschool through adulthood, with males consistently outperforming females. The basis for sex differences in spatial aptitude is still debated, but explanations include differences in childhood spatial experience, the use of strategies for solving large-scale spatial problems, and spatial anxiety. The current study seeks to understand childhood wayfinding factors that may influence sex and individual differences in wayfinding strategies and wayfinding anxiety in adulthood. METHOD One hundred fifty-nine undergraduate psychology students reported their childhood wayfinding experience (i.e., time spent outside, distance traveled), current use of wayfinding strategies (i.e., route strategy, orientation strategy), and current wayfinding anxiety and general anxiety levels. RESULTS Independent samples t tests revealed that, compared with females, males reported spending more time outside and traveling farther distances as children, having less current wayfinding anxiety and route strategy use, and having more current orientation strategy use. Mediation analyses found that distance traveled, but not time spent outdoors, during childhood mediated sex differences in route strategy use and wayfinding anxiety in adults, even when controlling for general anxiety. Furthermore, when controlling for participant sex and general anxiety, current wayfinding anxiety mediated the relationship between distance traveled during childhood and route strategy use in adults. CONCLUSION The current findings provide potential environmental explanations for sex and individual differences in large-scale spatial behaviors, including wayfinding. Specifically, sex differences in early wayfinding experience may explain why males and females develop different strategies for navigating and different levels of wayfinding anxiety. Furthermore, regardless of sex, allowing children to explore and navigate their outdoor environments away from home may help lessen their fears about navigating and, in turn, improve the strategies they choose to traverse unfamiliar territories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Vieites
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, 11200 S.W. 8th Street, Miami, FL, 33199, USA.
| | - Shannon M Pruden
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, 11200 S.W. 8th Street, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Bethany C Reeb-Sutherland
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, 11200 S.W. 8th Street, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
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Rosen AB, McGrath ML, Maerlender AL. Males with chronic ankle instability demonstrate deficits in neurocognitive function compared to control and copers. Res Sports Med 2020; 29:116-128. [PMID: 31992081 DOI: 10.1080/15438627.2020.1723099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine if there were neurocognitive deficits among controls, copers and those with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Participants included those without history of ankle injury (n = 14), ankle sprain copers (n = 13) and patients with self-reported CAI (n = 14). They completed a battery of valid and reliable computer-based neurocognitive tests. The differences between neurocognitive domain scores were compared across the Control, Coper and CAI groups. Patients with CAI had lower composite memory, visual memory and simple attention compared to controls. In males with CAI, large differences in memory and attention were found relative to control participants. These differences may contribute to uncontrolled episodes of giving way through deficits in spatial awareness and/or an inability to identify environmental obstacles. Clinicians should explore ways to provide additional stimuli through innovative rehabilitation protocols aimed at maximizing neurocognitive abilities in patients with CAI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam B Rosen
- School of Health and Kinesiology, University of Nebraska at Omaha , Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Melanie L McGrath
- Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Montana , Missoula, MO, USA
| | - Arthur L Maerlender
- Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior, University of Nebraska at Lincoln , Lincoln, NE, USA
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