This thesis examines the context effects on retrieval, and the influence of action on the
representation of distance in cognitive maps. It is proposed that bias in distance estimation is a
function of the contexts of retrieval that trigger the representation of action in memory during
evaluation tasks. The proposal is consistent with embodied cognition evidence that suggests that
actions are implicitly a part of the representation, and will be naturally extracted as part of the
retrieval process. The experimental work presented examines two different contextual cues; the
frequency of visitation to landmarks, and the importance of activity performed at landmarks. Each
cue primes differently the conceptualisation of landmarks prior to making distance estimation.
This priming facilitates memory access, which fleshes out relevant spatial information from
cognitive maps that are used in distance estimation and route description. This proposal was
examined in a series of four experiments that employed structured interviews. Participants had to
rate landmarks based on frequency of visitation criteria or importance of activity criteria, or both.
They then made verbal distance estimations and route descriptions. The results found implicate
the involvement of action representation.
The involvement of action in cognitive process was empirically investigated in three
further experiments. A new methodology was developed featuring the use of a blindfold,
linguistic descriptions, and control of actual movements. Blindfolded participants learned new
environments through verbal descriptions by imagining themselves walking in time with the
metronome beats. During turns, they were carefully moved. Following instructions, they
performed an action at mid-route. Their memories for the newly learned environments were tested
through recalls and measured again with the metronome beats. The results found were consistent
with explanations based on network-map theory. They implicate attentional processes as an
intrinsic part of the cognitive mechanism, and the strings of the network-map as the actual motor
program that executes the movement. These results are discussed in relation to the nature of
cognitive maps.
Date of Award | 2003 |
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Original language | English |
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Awarding Institution | |
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Retrieval, action and the representation of distance in cognitive maps
Vann Bugmann, D. (Author). 2003
Student thesis: PhD