Exam 2 (Spatial cognition)

Question 1

T/F Cognitive maps are more like survey maps than network maps

Answer 1

False

more like network maps

Question 2

What are three characteristics of cognitive maps?

Answer 2

1. limited information
2. schematic
3. rarely reflect absolute distances or directions

Question 3

When are distance estimates (cognitive maps) larger?

Answer 3

• more lankmarks along a route

- more changes in direction

Question 4

What is the purpose of heuristics in cognitive mapping?

Answer 4

tend to simplify and/or reduce the variation in our mental maps

Question 5

What 4 heuristics do we commonly use when making mental maps?

Answer 5

1. right angle bias
2. symmetry heuristic
3. rotation heuristic
4. alignment heuristic

Question 6

What is the right angle bias?

Answer 6

we regularize angles to 90 degrees

Question 7

What is the symmetry heuristic?

Answer 7

remember things are more symmetrical

- e.g. slightly curved roads become straight

Question 8

What is the rotation heuristic?

Answer 8

remember things (singular) are more vertical or horizontal

Question 9

What is the alignment heuristic?

Answer 9

tend to remember things (plural) such as landmarks and boundaries as more aligned than they are in reality
e.g. lining up U.S. and Europe