Chapter 1. Cognitive Mapping

1.1 Introduction

Perry Thorndyke was interested in how map-reading ability was related more generally to overall spatial navigation performance. This study is a replication of the classic Thorndyke experiment (1981), which was concerned with the factors that influence distance estimation judgment. The results of Thorndyke (1981) informed theories on how we mentally represent our physical space.

1.2 Experiment Setup

1.3 Instructions

You will need to press the space bar to begin the experiment. A two-dimensional map diagram will then be displayed. Please study the map for the 2 minutes that it is presented to you. Take note of the details on the map, as you will be asked to draw the map from memory or to identify the neighboring towns for each of the towns on the map, depending on the group you are in.

1.4 Experiment

1.5 Results

1.6 Debriefing

Thorndyke (1981) found that when markers or other items are presented between two points, distance estimations are greater (larger) than if no markers or other information were presented along the path. These results are consistent with anecdotal and ancient information dating back to the scholar Ptolemy in the second century. Ptolemy speculated that “clutter,” or intervening locations between two points, leads to increased distance estimates. This has been put forth as an explanation for phenomena other than map reading. For example, Ptolemy used it to attempt to explain the three-dimensional “moon illusion,” where the moon appears larger as it nears the horizon. In a related line of research, Edward Tolman demonstrated a similar effect in spatial navigation studies using an animal model.

References:

Thorndyke, P. W. (1981). Distance estimation from cognitive maps. Cognitive Psychology, 13, 526-550.

Gibson, E. J., & Bergman, R. (1954) The effect of training on absolute estimation of distance over the ground. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 48, 473-482.

Kosslyn, S., Pick, H. L., & Fariello, G. (1974) Cognitive maps in children and men. Child Development, 45, 707-716.

1.7 Quiz