Changing predictors of map use in wayfinding.

Abstract

Map use to guide travel may require skill in encoding information from a terrain and a map, finding a match between the two, and maintaning the match despite directional shifts from turns on a route. To test this analysis194 4-to 6-yr.-olds used maps to locate the route to a goal through a network of paths with blind alleys. Two tasks were used as predictors of skill in map use. Laurendeau and Pinard's test of the localization of topological positions (LOTOP) supplied measures of memory encoding, correspondence and rotation. The child had to copy an examiner's placements on a board when the boards were aligned or one was rotated 180 degrees. Placements were near landmarks or in the open field. The landmarks were then removed and the child had to recall their location (encoding). On the mental rotation test (MR),the child chose a rotated letter-like form to match a standard. Younger children's map errors were predicted by mental rotation skill (MR and LOTOP rotated board scores) and landmark placements. Older children's map errors were predicted by recall of landmark positions (memory encoding).