1
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Jabbari Y, Kenney DM, von Mohrenschildt M, Shedden JM. Testing landmark-specific effects on route navigation in an ecologically valid setting: a simulated driving study. Cogn Res Princ Implic 2022; 7:22. [PMID: 35254563 PMCID: PMC8901809 DOI: 10.1186/s41235-022-00374-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
We used a driving simulator to investigate landmark-based route navigation in young adults. Previous research has examined how proximal and distal landmarks influence route navigation, however, these effects have not been extensively tested in ecologically-relevant settings. We used a virtual town in which participants learned various routes while simultaneously driving. We first examined the effect of four different landmark conditions on navigation performance, such that each driver experienced one of four versions of the town with either proximal landmarks only, distal landmarks only, both proximal and distal landmarks, or no landmarks. Drivers were given real-time navigation directions along a route to a target destination, and were then tested on their ability to navigate to the same destination without directions. We found that the presence of proximal landmarks significantly improved route navigation. We then examined the effect of prior exposure to proximal vs. distal landmarks by testing the same drivers in the same environment they previously encountered, but with the landmarks removed. In this case, we found that prior exposure to distal landmarks significantly improved route navigation. The present results are in line with existing research on route navigation and landmarks, suggesting that these findings can be extended to ecologically-relevant settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasaman Jabbari
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
| | - Darren M Kenney
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | | | - Judith M Shedden
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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2
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Anson E, Ehrenburg MR, Simonsick EM, Agrawal Y. Association between vestibular function and rotational spatial orientation perception in older adults. J Vestib Res 2021; 31:469-478. [PMID: 33579887 PMCID: PMC11172369 DOI: 10.3233/ves-201582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spatial orientation is a complex process involving vestibular sensory input and possibly cognitive ability. Previous research demonstrated that rotational spatial orientation was worse for individuals with profound bilateral vestibular dysfunction. OBJECTIVE Determine whether rotational and linear vestibular function were independently associated with large amplitude rotational spatial orientation perception in healthy aging. METHODS Tests of rotational spatial orientation accuracy and vestibular function [vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), ocular and cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP)] were administered to 272 healthy community-dwelling adults participating in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Using a mixed model multiple linear regression we regressed spatial orientation errors on lateral semicircular canal function, utricular function (ocular VEMP), and saccular function (cervical VEMP) in a single model controlling for rotation size, age, and sex. RESULTS After adjusting for age, and sex, individuals with bilaterally low VOR gain (β= 20.9, p = 0.014) and those with bilaterally absent utricular function (β= 9.32, p = 0.017) made significantly larger spatial orientation errors relative to individuals with normal vestibular function. CONCLUSIONS The current results demonstrate for the first time that either bilateral lateral semicircular canal dysfunction or bilateral utricular dysfunction are associated with worse rotational spatial orientation. We also demonstrated in a healthy aging cohort that increased age also contributes to spatial orientation ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Anson
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - M R Ehrenburg
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - E M Simonsick
- Longitudinal Studies Section, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Y Agrawal
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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3
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Yang C, Naya Y. Hippocampal cells integrate past memory and present perception for the future. PLoS Biol 2020; 18:e3000876. [PMID: 33206640 PMCID: PMC7673575 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to use stored information in a highly flexible manner is a defining feature of the declarative memory system. However, the neuronal mechanisms underlying this flexibility are poorly understood. To address this question, we recorded single-unit activity from the hippocampus of 2 nonhuman primates performing a newly devised task requiring the monkeys to retrieve long-term item-location association memory and then use it flexibly in different circumstances. We found that hippocampal neurons signaled both mnemonic information representing the retrieved location and perceptual information representing the external circumstance. The 2 signals were combined at a single-neuron level to construct goal-directed information by 3 sequentially occurring neuronal operations (e.g., convergence, transference, and targeting) in the hippocampus. Thus, flexible use of knowledge may be supported by the hippocampal constructive process linking memory and perception, which may fit the mnemonic information into the current situation to present manageable information for a subsequent action. This study reveals that three neuronal operations in the macaque hippocampus combine retrieved memory and incoming perceptual information to construct goal-directed information; this constructive memory process may equip us to use past knowledge flexibly according to the current situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cen Yang
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuji Naya
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
- * E-mail:
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4
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Learning a Path from Real Navigation: The Advantage of Initial View, Cardinal North and Visuo-Spatial Ability. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10040204. [PMID: 32244674 PMCID: PMC7226432 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10040204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Spatial cognition research strives to maximize conditions favoring environment representation. This study examined how initial (egocentric) navigation headings interact with allocentric references in terms of world-based information (such as cardinal points) in forming environment representations. The role of individual visuo-spatial factors was also examined. Method: Ninety-one undergraduates took an unfamiliar path in two learning conditions, 46 walked from cardinal south to north (SN learning), and 45 walked from cardinal north to south (NS learning). Path recall was tested with SN and NS pointing tasks. Perspective-taking ability and self-reported sense of direction were also assessed. Results: Linear models showed a better performance for SN learning and SN pointing than for NS learning and NS pointing. The learning condition x pointing interaction proved SN pointing more accurate than NS pointing after SN learning, while SN and NS pointing accuracy was similar after NS learning. Perspective-taking ability supported pointing accuracy. Conclusions: These results indicate that initial heading aligned with cardinal north prompt a north-oriented representation. No clear orientation of the representation emerges when the initial heading is aligned with cardinal south. Environment representations are supported by individual perspective-taking ability. These findings offer new insight on the environmental and individual factors facilitating environment representations acquired from navigation.
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5
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Muffato V, Meneghetti C, Doria S, De Beni R. The orientation of young and older adults' mental representations of their home town with familiar and new landmarks. Br J Psychol 2019; 111:762-781. [PMID: 31737912 DOI: 10.1111/bjop.12432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Familiarity with an environment produces refined mental representations in adults of all ages, but it is not clear whether these representations tend to have a north-up orientation and whether familiarity facilitates the learning of new spatial information, especially in ageing. Thirty-two young and 32 older adults studied a map of their home town that included familiar and new fictitious landmarks, then performed pointing tasks, some aligned with the cardinal points south-north (SN), and others counter-aligned, north-south (NS). A measure of visuo-spatial working memory (VSWM) and a questionnaire on pleasure in exploring were also administered. The results showed that performance was better when pointing SN than NS (alignment effect), whereas pointing performance for familiar landmarks was similar for SN and NS alignments (no alignment effect). No interaction involving age was found. VSWM emerged as a significant predictor of pointing performance. Spatial mental representations of familiar environments are elaborate and flexible as regards familiar landmarks, in both young and older adults; and a familiar layout does not seem to enhance older adults' spatial memory as regards new landmarks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Silvia Doria
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Rossana De Beni
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Italy
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6
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Brunyé TT, Martis SB, Hawes B, Taylor HA. Risk-taking during wayfinding is modulated by external stressors and personality traits. SPATIAL COGNITION AND COMPUTATION 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/13875868.2019.1633540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tad T. Brunyé
- Center for Applied Brain & Cognitive Sciences, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
- U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, Soldier Center, Natick, MA, USA
- Department of Psychology,Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Shaina B. Martis
- Center for Applied Brain & Cognitive Sciences, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
- U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, Soldier Center, Natick, MA, USA
| | - Breanne Hawes
- U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, Soldier Center, Natick, MA, USA
| | - Holly A. Taylor
- Center for Applied Brain & Cognitive Sciences, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
- Department of Psychology,Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
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7
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Piñeyro Salvidegoitia M, Jacobsen N, Bauer AKR, Griffiths B, Hanslmayr S, Debener S. Out and about: Subsequent memory effect captured in a natural outdoor environment with smartphone EEG. Psychophysiology 2019; 56:e13331. [PMID: 30657185 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Spatiotemporal context plays an important role in episodic memory. While temporal context effects have been frequently studied in the laboratory, ecologically valid spatial context manipulations are difficult to implement in stationary conditions. We investigated whether the neural correlates of successful encoding (subsequent memory effect) can be captured in a real-world environment. An off-the-shelf Android smartphone was used for wireless mobile EEG acquisition and stimulus presentation. Participants encoded single words, each of which was presented at a different location on a university campus. Locations were approximately 10-12 m away from each other, half of them with striking features (landmarks) nearby. We predicted landmarks would improve recall performance. After a first free recall task of verbal stimuli indoors, participants performed a subsequent recall outdoors, in which words and locations were recalled. As predicted, significantly more words presented at landmark locations as well as significantly more landmark than nonlandmark locations were recalled. ERP analysis yielded a larger posterior positive deflection during encoding for hits compared to misses in the 400-800 ms interval. Likewise, time-frequency analysis revealed a significant difference during encoding for hits compared to misses in the form of stronger alpha (200-300 ms) and theta (300-400 ms) power increases. Our results confirm that a vibrant spatial context is beneficial in episodic memory processing and that the underlying neural correlates can be captured with unobtrusive smartphone EEG technology. The advent of mobile EEG technology promises to unveil the relevance of natural physical activity and natural environments on memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Piñeyro Salvidegoitia
- Neuropsychology Lab, Department of Psychology, European Medical School, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Nadine Jacobsen
- Neuropsychology Lab, Department of Psychology, European Medical School, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Anna-Katharina R Bauer
- Neuropsychology Lab, Department of Psychology, European Medical School, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.,Department of Experimental Psychology, Oxford Centre for Human Brain Imaging, Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Simon Hanslmayr
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK
| | - Stefan Debener
- Neuropsychology Lab, Department of Psychology, European Medical School, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence Hearing4all, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.,Research Centre Neurosensory Science, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
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8
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Dale R, Galati A, Alviar C, Contreras Kallens P, Ramirez-Aristizabal AG, Tabatabaeian M, Vinson DW. Interacting Timescales in Perspective-Taking. Front Psychol 2018; 9:1278. [PMID: 30250437 PMCID: PMC6139380 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Through theoretical discussion, literature review, and a computational model, this paper poses a challenge to the notion that perspective-taking involves a fixed architecture in which particular processes have priority. For example, some research suggests that egocentric perspectives can arise more quickly, with other perspectives (such as of task partners) emerging only secondarily. This theoretical dichotomy-between fast egocentric and slow other-centric processes-is challenged here. We propose a general view of perspective-taking as an emergent phenomenon governed by the interplay among cognitive mechanisms that accumulate information at different timescales. We first describe the pervasive relevance of perspective-taking to cognitive science. A dynamical systems model is then introduced that explicitly formulates the timescale interaction proposed. This model illustrates that, rather than having a rigid time course, perspective-taking can be fast or slow depending on factors such as task context. Implications are discussed, with ideas for future empirical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rick Dale
- Department of Communication, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Cognitive and Information Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States
| | - Alexia Galati
- Department of Communication, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Cognitive and Information Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Camila Alviar
- Department of Communication, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Cognitive and Information Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States
| | - Pablo Contreras Kallens
- Department of Communication, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Cognitive and Information Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | | | - Maryam Tabatabaeian
- Cognitive and Information Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States
| | - David W. Vinson
- Cognitive and Information Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States
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9
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Propper RE, Wolfarth A, Carlei C, Brunye TT, Christman SD. Superior categorical and coordinate spatial task performance in inconsistent-handers relative to consistent-right-handers. Laterality 2018; 24:274-288. [PMID: 30040010 DOI: 10.1080/1357650x.2018.1503287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Categorical versus coordinate spatial tasks rely differentially on the left versus right hemisphere. Given the neuroanatomical and neurophysiological differences between inconsistent- versus consistent-right-handers (ICH versus CRH, respectively), such that the former demonstrates increased access to right hemisphere processes relative to the latter, it was hypothesized that ICH would outperform CRH on a test of coordinate spatial knowledge. Previous work demonstrating reliance on the right hemisphere for both categorical and coordinate information in non-right-handers using lateralized stimuli of brief duration suggested ICH might also outperform CRH on a categorical task as well. Participants navigated a virtual environment, landmark-to-landmark, within a 3-dimensional first-person point of view with high ecological validity, and then were tested on either their categorical or coordinate spatial knowledge. ICH were superior relative to the CRH on both types of spatial knowledge. Additionally, ICH navigated the environment during learning more quickly, and reported being more confident in their knowledge of the location of landmarks within the environment, compared with CRH. Results are discussed in terms of potential handedness differences in spatial ability generally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth E Propper
- a Psychology Department , Montclair State University , Montclair , NJ , USA
| | - Andrew Wolfarth
- a Psychology Department , Montclair State University , Montclair , NJ , USA
| | - Christophe Carlei
- b Psychology Department , University of Geneva , Geneva , Switzerland
| | - Tad T Brunye
- c Department of Psychology , Tufts University , Medford , MA , USA.,d Cognitive Science Team, U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development, and Engineering Center , Natick , MA , USA
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10
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Wang Q, Taylor HA, Brunyé TT. East is not right: Spatial compatibility differs between egocentric and cardinal retrieval. Q J Exp Psychol (Hove) 2018; 72:1250-1279. [PMID: 29966492 DOI: 10.1177/1747021818789078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Four experiments examined perceptuo-motor associations involved in spatial knowledge encoding and retrieval. Participants learned spatial information by studying a map or by navigating through a real environment and then verified spatial descriptions based on either egocentric or cardinal directional terms. Participants moved the computer mouse to a YES or NO button to verify each statement. We tracked mouse cursor trajectories to examine perceptuo-motor associations in spatial knowledge. An encoding hypothesis predicts that perceptuo-motor associations depend on the involvement of perceptions and actions during encoding, regardless of how spatial knowledge would be used. The retrieval hypothesis predicts that perceptuo-motor associations change as a function of retrieval demands, regardless of how they are learned. The results supported the retrieval hypothesis. Participants showed action compatibility effects with egocentric retrieval, regardless of how spatial information was learned. With well-developed spatial knowledge, a reliable compatibility effect emerged during egocentric retrieval, but no or limited compatibility effects emerged with cardinal retrieval. With less-developed knowledge, the compatibility effects evident during cardinal retrieval suggest a process of egocentric recoding. Other factors of environment learning, such as location proximity and orientation changes, also impacted the compatibility effect, as revealed in the temporal dynamics of mouse movements. Taken together, the results demonstrate that retrieval demands differentially rely upon perceptuo-motor associations in long-term spatial knowledge. This effect is also modulated by environment experience, proximity of learned locations, and experienced orientations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- 1 Department of Psychology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.,2 Department of Psychology, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Holly A Taylor
- 2 Department of Psychology, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA.,3 Center for Applied Brain & Cognitive Sciences, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Tad T Brunyé
- 2 Department of Psychology, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA.,3 Center for Applied Brain & Cognitive Sciences, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA.,4 U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development, and Engineering Center, RDNS-SEW-THC, Natick, MA, USA
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11
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Tlauka M, Prince M, Sullivan L, McCarley JS. Heading south with a north-up map: A choice processing analysis of map alignment effects. SPATIAL COGNITION AND COMPUTATION 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/13875868.2017.1381103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Tlauka
- School of Psychology, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Melissa Prince
- School of Psychology, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Louis Sullivan
- School of Psychology, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jason S. McCarley
- School of Psychological Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
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12
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Hao X, Huang Y, Song Y, Kong X, Liu J. Experience with the Cardinal Coordinate System Contributes to the Precision of Cognitive Maps. Front Psychol 2017; 8:1166. [PMID: 28744248 PMCID: PMC5504278 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The coordinate system has been proposed as a fundamental and cross-culturally used spatial representation, through which people code location and direction information in the environment. Here we provided direct evidence demonstrating that daily experience with the cardinal coordinate system (i.e., east, west, north, and south) contributed to the representation of cognitive maps. Behaviorally, we found that individuals who relied more on the cardinal coordinate system for daily navigation made smaller errors in an indoor pointing task, suggesting that the cardinal coordinate system is an important element of cognitive maps. Neurally, the extent to which individuals relied on the cardinal coordinate system was positively correlated with the gray matter volume of the entorhinal cortex, suggesting that the entorhinal cortex may serve as the neuroanatomical basis of coordinate-based navigation (the entorhinal coordinate area, ECA). Further analyses on the resting-state functional connectivity revealed that the intrinsic interaction between the ECA and two hippocampal sub-regions, the subiculum and cornu ammonis, might be linked with the representation precision of cognitive maps. In sum, our study reveals an association between daily experience with the cardinal coordinate system and cognitive maps, and suggests that the ECA works in collaboration with hippocampal sub-regions to represent cognitive maps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal UniversityBeijing, China
| | - Yi Huang
- Department of Psychology, Tsinghua UniversityBeijing, China
| | - Yiying Song
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal UniversityBeijing, China
| | - Xiangzhen Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal UniversityBeijing, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, School of Psychology, Beijing Normal UniversityBeijing, China
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13
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Brunyé TT, Wood MD, Houck LA, Taylor HA. The path more travelled: Time pressure increases reliance on familiar route-based strategies during navigation. Q J Exp Psychol (Hove) 2016; 70:1439-1452. [PMID: 27156528 DOI: 10.1080/17470218.2016.1187637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Navigating large-scale environments involves dynamic interactions between the physical world and individuals' knowledge, goals, and strategies. Time pressure can result from self-imposed goals or relatively dynamic situational factors that induce varied constraints. While time pressure is ubiquitous in daily life and has been shown to influence affective states, cost-benefit analyses, and strategy selection, its influence on navigation behaviour is unknown. The present study examined how introducing varied time constraints during virtual urban navigation would influence spatial strategies and impact the efficiency and effectiveness of goal-directed wayfinding. Participants learned a large-scale urban virtual environment by wayfinding between a series of 20 successive landmark goals (e.g., You have reached the Theater. Now find the Bank.). A day later, they again performed the same task, but landmark-to-landmark trials were characterized by conditions of low-, moderate-, or high-pressure time limits as quantified by a pilot experiment. As time pressure increased, participants more likely navigated along previously experienced paths and less likely travelled in the global direction of the destination. Results suggest strategy shifts under time constraints that increase reliance on egocentric, route-based strategies and decrease reliance on global configural knowledge, probably in an attempt to reduce cognitive demands and support performance under pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tad T Brunyé
- a Center for Applied Brain & Cognitive Sciences , Medford , MA , USA.,b Department of Psychology , Tufts University , Medford , MA , USA.,c Cognitive Science Team, U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development, and Engineering Center , Natick , MA , USA
| | - Matthew D Wood
- d Risk and Decision Sciences, U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers , Vicksburg , MS , USA
| | - Lindsay A Houck
- a Center for Applied Brain & Cognitive Sciences , Medford , MA , USA.,c Cognitive Science Team, U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development, and Engineering Center , Natick , MA , USA
| | - Holly A Taylor
- a Center for Applied Brain & Cognitive Sciences , Medford , MA , USA.,b Department of Psychology , Tufts University , Medford , MA , USA
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14
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How directions of route descriptions influence orientation specificity: the contribution of spatial abilities. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2016; 81:445-461. [PMID: 26898648 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-016-0754-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies found mental representations of route descriptions north-up oriented when egocentric experience (given by the protagonist's initial view) was congruent with the global reference system. This study examines: (a) the development and maintenance of representations derived from descriptions when the egocentric and global reference systems are congruent or incongruent; and (b) how spatial abilities modulate these representations. Sixty participants (in two groups of 30) heard route descriptions of a protagonist's moves starting from the bottom of a layout and headed mainly northwards (SN description) in one group, and headed south from the top (NS description, the egocentric view facing in the opposite direction to the canonical north) in the other. Description recall was tested with map drawing (after hearing the description a first and second time; i.e. Time 1 and 2) and South-North (SN) or North-South (NS) pointing tasks; and spatial objective tasks were administered. The results showed that: (a) the drawings were more rotated in NS than in SN descriptions, and performed better at Time 2 than at Time 1 for both types of description; SN pointing was more accurate than NS pointing for the SN description, while SN and NS pointing accuracy did not differ for the NS description; (b) spatial (rotation) abilities were related to recall accuracy for both types of description, but were more so for the NS ones. Overall, our results showed that the way in which spatial information is conveyed (with/without congruence between the egocentric and global reference systems) and spatial abilities influence the development and maintenance of mental representations.
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15
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Brunyé TT, Burte H, Houck LA, Taylor HA. The Map in Our Head Is Not Oriented North: Evidence from a Real-World Environment. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0135803. [PMID: 26353119 PMCID: PMC4564159 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Like most physical maps, recent research has suggested that cognitive maps of familiar environments may have a north-up orientation. We demonstrate that north orientation is not a necessary feature of cognitive maps and instead may arise due to coincidental alignment between cardinal directions and the built and natural environment. Experiment 1 demonstrated that pedestrians have difficulty pointing north while navigating a familiar real-world environment with roads, buildings, and green spaces oriented oblique to cardinal axes. Instead, north estimates tended to be parallel or perpendicular to roads. In Experiment 2, participants did not demonstrate privileged memory access when oriented toward north while making relative direction judgments. Instead, retrieval was fastest and most accurate when orientations were aligned with roads. In sum, cognitive maps are not always oriented north. Rather, in some real-world environments they can be oriented with respect to environment-specific features, serving as convenient reference systems for organizing and using spatial memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tad T. Brunyé
- Center for Applied Brain & Cognitive Sciences, Medford, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Psychology, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Cognitive Science Team, U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center, Natick, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Heather Burte
- Department of Psychology, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Lindsay A. Houck
- Center for Applied Brain & Cognitive Sciences, Medford, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Psychology, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Cognitive Science Team, U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center, Natick, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Holly A. Taylor
- Center for Applied Brain & Cognitive Sciences, Medford, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Psychology, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, United States of America
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