Skip to main content Accessibility help
×
Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-jkksz Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-27T05:54:08.604Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

8 - Mapping the Understanding of Understanding Maps

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 June 2012

Akira Miyake
Affiliation:
University of Toronto
Get access

Summary

Abstract

In some ways, maps are processed like any other visuospatial entity. However, because maps usually have a utilitarian function that results in comparison to an actual environment, processing of and memory for maps differs from that of other visuospatial forms. This chapter discusses comprehension and memory for maps, focusing on how perceptual information is understood conceptually. The cognitive map developed while learning a physical map has features similar to the actual environment, but also differs from it because of the cognitive processes used to form it. This chapter discusses those underlying processes and their effects on the resultant mental representation. Since the conceptual information takes the form of a mental or cognitive map, it is first important to understand some of the methodology used to study cognitive maps. This methodology allows for inferences about the nature and structure of cognitive maps and how they might be conceptualized. Further, the conceptualization of maps appears to be influenced by features of the individual, including cognitive goals, stage in development, and individual differences. These issues are discussed in the framework of conceptualizing map information.

Type
Chapter
Information
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2005

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

Save book to Kindle

To save this book to your Kindle, first ensure [email protected] is added to your Approved Personal Document E-mail List under your Personal Document Settings on the Manage Your Content and Devices page of your Amazon account. Then enter the ‘name’ part of your Kindle email address below. Find out more about saving to your Kindle.

Note you can select to save to either the @free.kindle.com or @kindle.com variations. ‘@free.kindle.com’ emails are free but can only be saved to your device when it is connected to wi-fi. ‘@kindle.com’ emails can be delivered even when you are not connected to wi-fi, but note that service fees apply.

Find out more about the Kindle Personal Document Service.

Available formats
×

Save book to Dropbox

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Dropbox.

Available formats
×

Save book to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

Available formats
×