Abstract
Path integration as a central process in spatial orientation is a basic cognitive competence used to update spatial positioning while walking. Children develop this competence via self-directed path-finding experiences. This study examines the spatial orientation competences of pre-school children in inner-city Jakarta. The influence of parental protectiveness on path integration competence was investigated, and the children’s spatial ability was measured using paper-and-pencil tests. Thirty pre-school children from poor families in three different sub-districts of inner-city Jakarta (Jatinegara Cipinang, Besar Selatan, and Bukit Duri) were tested. Results showed that children who were used to roaming more freely performed better in spatial orientation than those whose parents granted them less freedom to wander alone. Small significant correlations between spatial ability tests and path integration competence were observed. However, being able to move freely in everyday life was far more important than spatial ability measured by pen-and-paper tests.
Highlights
This study is part of a field-experiment aimed at understanding the conditions necessary for the development of spatial orientation and spatial ability–two fundamental competences in spatial cognition
The aim of this study is to investigate the relations between these specific aspects of spatial cognition and to identify factors influencing spatial orientation and spatial ability
The means of absolute differences between pointing directions and correct bearings were calculated for all six pointing locations
Summary
This study is part of a field-experiment aimed at understanding the conditions necessary for the development of spatial orientation and spatial ability–two fundamental competences in spatial cognition. Spatial orientation can be based on external representations such as maps. It can rely on internal cues derived from mental maps and path integration (Wolbers & Hagerty, 2010). Spatial ability or spatial intelligence can be tested in various contexts, such as mental rotation, spatial visualization, pattern recognition, etc. The competences addressed here are December 2018 1⁄2Vol. 22 1⁄2 No. not homogeneous. The aim of this study is to investigate the relations between these specific aspects of spatial cognition and to identify factors influencing spatial orientation and spatial ability
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