Moving Onwards: An Action Continuation Strategy in Finding the Way

Abstract

In four studies we examined people's strategies when deciding between multiple routes of equivalent length in way-finding tasks. The results reveal the important role of continuing behavior when faced with a choice from multiple viable routes. After affirming the existence of asymmetric preferences for alternatives (Study 1 & 2), we observed that variations of simple known-environment mazes supported action continuation as prevailing process over alternative strategies such as preference for long initial path segments, paths with a least deviating angle, and a modified hill climbing strategy (Study 3). Moreover, asymmetric preferences disappeared with the absence of initial behavior to inform subsequent decision making (Study 4). Results are discussed within the context of decision making, navigation strategies, and everyday life path finding.

Wayfinding in Interior Environments: An Integrative Review

“…The action continuation heuristic states that when none of one’s alternatives seem beneficial or necessary, one proceeds with one’s current course of action ( Van Tilburg and Igou, 2014 ). The initial segment heuristic states that one chooses the initial path that enables one to postpone changing one’s path for as long as possible ( Van Tilburg and Igou, 2014 ). The least-decision-load heuristic states that one chooses a series of “paths with the least number of possible decision points” ( Spiers and Maguire, 2008 , p. 233).…”

“…The central point heuristic states that one uses well-known parts of a building that are considered as the skeleton of a building (e.g., main corridors and entry halls) ( Hölscher et al, 2006 ). The hill-climbing heuristic states that one chooses actions that yield immediate progress toward one’s target by accomplishing easily obtainable subgoals ( Braisby and Gellatly, 2012 ; Van Tilburg and Igou, 2014 ). Finally, the fine-to-coarse planning heuristic states that one divides one’s environment into different regions, plan coarsely when navigating between regions, and plan in fine details when navigating within a given region ( Spiers and Maguire, 2008 ).…”

“…In a series of studies, Van Tilburg and Igou (2014) examined four heuristics for participants’ preference—the action-continuation heuristic, the initial segment heuristic, the least-angle heuristic, and the hill-climbing heuristic—in navigating a maze with equally functional routes at a choice point. They found that the participants’ behavior displayed the action-continuation heuristic.…”

“…Van Tilburg and Igou, 2014 The relationship between information pick-up -and spatial ability Information pick-up -spatial ability 1 Padgitt and Hund, 2012 The relationship between information pick-up -and behavioral performance…”

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