Spatial Abilities at Different Scales:Individual differences in

aptitude-test performance and spatial-layout learning

Mary Hegarty, Daniel R. Montello , Anthony E.

Richardson,Toru Ishikawa, Kristin

LovelaceIntelligence 34 (2006) 151–

176

Spatial Cognition

• Spatial cognition deals with how humans encode spatial information (i.e. about the position, orientation and movement of objects in the environment), and how this information is represented in memory and manipulated internally

Spatial Ability at Different Scales

• Figural – paper tests (i.e. Vandenburg mental rotation) *most research done here.

• Vista - space larger than the body, no locomotion, (i.e. remembering the layout of a single room)

• Environmental – space larger than the body, involves locomotion (i.e. navigation tests)

Small to Large Spectrum

Figural Vista Environmental

Small Scale Large Scale

Spatial Cognition Models

Figural Test

• Arrow Span Test– Remember a sequence of arrows in random

orientations.– measures ability to maintain spatial information

in working memory

Vista Test

• Perspective Taking Ability– 4 objects in a square room, one centered on

each wall. Learn the locations.– If standing in front of object x, point to object y– Metrics: correctness and time

Environmental Test

• Navigation of a VE– Tutorial navigation environment– Testing environment

• 4 objects along a winding hallway

• Traverse (at least) twice

• 2nd time: stop at each object ask about distance and directions to other objects

Spatial Cognition Models

• Many other tests outlined in Hegarty et. al.

My Work: AAMVID• AAM Visualization and Interactive

Debriefing