Reference frame definition, use, and interaction in spatial memory

In order to preform actions and reason about spatial relationships in the world, a mental representation of spatial locations is needed. The exact nature of this representation has been debated among research groups with some concluding reference frames are self-based (egocentric), while others conclude spatial representations are independent from the self (allocentric or intrinsic). This research presents novel methods to assess spatial reference frame use in memory. Chapter 1 presents a framework for classifying reference frames. Specifically a distinction between reference direction and reference point is made. Chapter 2 details a novel attraction analysis paradigm to assess reference direction use. Chapter 3 details a bias distribution analysis, which can provide evidence for interacting reference directions. Chapter 4 presents a novel way to test reference point use in spatial memory. Chapter 5 combines these findings and concludes that an egocentric reference frame is encoded in memory and used during spatial tasks.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2017

Author dc:creator

• Street, Whitney N

Contributors dc:contributor

• Wang, Raxiao
• Simons, Daniel J.
• Beck, Diane M.
• Hummel, John E.
• Federmeier, Kara D.

• Reference frames
• Spatial memory
• Judgment of relative direction (JRD)

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2017 Whitney N Street

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/97295

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/97295