Is egocentric space automatically encoded?
Using the criteria defined by Hasher and Zacks [Hasher, L., & Zacks, R. T. (1979). Automatic and effortful processes in memory. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 108(3), 356-388], three studies examined the effects of intent of memorization, dual task interference, old age, practice and individual differences on memory for egocentric positions. Results showed that dual task interference and old age slightly influenced memory for egocentric positions. Small but significant individual differences were also observed. However, intent of memorization and practice had no influence on accuracy. The findings demonstrate that encoding of egocentric space works rather automatically but nevertheless requires minimal attentional resources.
Pouliot
Sandra
S
McGill University, Montreal Neurological Institute, Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, 3801 University Street, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 2B4. spouliot@ego.psych.mcgill.ca
Gagnon
Sylvain
S
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology; D004532:Ego; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall / Q000502:physiology*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010364:Pattern Recognition, Visual / Q000502:physiology*; D011214:Practice, Psychological; D012737:Sex Factors; D013028:Space Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis