The role of visuo-spatial working memory in map learning: new findings from a map drawing paradigm

Abstract

Recently, increasing attention has been devoted to the study of the role of visuo-spatial working memory (VSWM) in environmental learning and spatial navigation. The present research was aimed at investigating the role of VSWM in map learning using a map drawing paradigm. In the first study, a dual task methodology was used. Results showed that map drawing was selectively impaired by a spatial tapping task that was executed during the map learning phase, hence supporting the hypothesis that VSWM plays an essential role in learning from maps. In the second study, using a correlational methodology, it was shown that performance in simultaneous VSWM tasks, but not in sequential VSWM tasks, predicted map drawing skills. These skills "in turn" correlated with map learning abilities. Finally, in the third study, we replicated the results of the second study, by using a different map. To our knowledge, the present study is the first to find evidence that the simultaneous aspects of VSWM play a fundamental role in learning from maps.

Active and passive contributions to spatial learning

“…This correlation with both active and passive tasks holds especially for men, while active tasks were better predictors of women's spatial learning abilities. In addition, when an environment was learned from a map, both active and passive simultaneous working memory ability was related to survey knowledge of landmark locations and road connections (Coluccia et al, 2007). This result is not surprising, however, because a map provides simultaneous information about the layout.…”

“…Coluccia, Bosco, and Brandimonte (2007) asked participants to perform two types of interference tasks while studying a map and then to draw a sketchmap of locations and roads. They found that tapping a spatial pattern interfered with learning both route and survey knowledge, while a verbal interference task did not affect either one.…”

Learning a map of environment: The role of visuo‐spatial abilities in young and older adults

“…In fact, memorizing landmarks and their locations and organizing the information in a layout requires this cognitive function in the young (e.g. Coluccia et al, 2007) but there is no such evidence for the elderly. Moreover, another aspect that should be considered in interpreting the current results relates to the fact that some cognitive functions that may explain age-related differences in environment learning were not included.…”

“…Denis & Cocude, 1997), visuo-spatial working memory (e.g. Coluccia, Bosco, & Brandimonte, 2007) and spatial cognitive style (e.g. Nori & Giusberti, 2003).…”

Perspectives on human spatial cognition: memory, navigation, and environmental learning

“…The study by Coluccia, Bosco, and Brandimonte (2006) addresses the role of visuo-spatial working memory in various forms of map processing. Map drawing is selectively impaired by a task that taps the spatial component of visuo-spatial working memory, which suggests that this component plays an essential role in learning from maps.…”