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Towards a Definition of Intrinsic Axes: The Effect of Orthogonality and Symmetry on the Preferred Direction of Spatial Memory

Richard, Laurence
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1310492651

Abstract Details

2011, Master of Arts, Miami University, Psychology.
Mou, Zhao & McNamara (2007) proposed the “intrinsic model of human spatial memory”, which posits that a viewer’s memory of an array of objects will exhibit a preferred direction that is aligned with an intrinsic axis of the array. They defined intrinsic axes as salient axes created in part by the physical (geometric) properties of the array. To date, these geometric characteristics have received little research attention. We begin such an endeavor by evaluating the role of symmetry and orthogonality (i.e., number of right angles in the studied array of objects) in spatial memory. Results were consistent with greater reliance on egocentric reference frames than is common in the literature. Indeed, for only one array – a highly orthogonal and symmetric one – did participants respond non-egocentrically. We suggest that overuse of this array in the literature has led to an overestimation of the importance of allocentricity in spatial memory.
David A. Waller, PhD (Advisor)
Leonard Jay Smart, PhD (Committee Member)
Christopher R. Wolfe, PhD (Committee Member)
36 p.
Cognitive Psychology; Psychology
Spatial Memory; Spatial Organization; Geometry; Symmetry; Reference Frames

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Richard, L. (2011). Towards a Definition of Intrinsic Axes: The Effect of Orthogonality and Symmetry on the Preferred Direction of Spatial Memory [Master's thesis, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1310492651

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Richard, Laurence. Towards a Definition of Intrinsic Axes: The Effect of Orthogonality and Symmetry on the Preferred Direction of Spatial Memory. 2011. Miami University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1310492651.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Richard, Laurence. "Towards a Definition of Intrinsic Axes: The Effect of Orthogonality and Symmetry on the Preferred Direction of Spatial Memory." Master's thesis, Miami University, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1310492651

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

miami1310492651
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© 2011, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Miami University and OhioLINK.