Encoding modality and spatial memory retrieval.
This study examined the temporal characteristics of event-related brain electrical activity associated with the processing of spatial memories derived from linguistic and tactile information. Participants learned a map by (1) reading a text description of the map, (2) touching a wooden topological representation of the map (hidden from view), or (3) both. Subsequently, the participants' ability to use their spatial knowledge was tested in a spatial orientation task. Differential patterns of brain activity as a function of encoding modality were found at the very early (preconscious) stages of processing. In contrast, an analysis of behavioral performance revealed no differences between the encoding groups. A model of spatial memory retrieval is presented to account for the findings.
Tlauka
Michael
M
School of Psychology, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia. Michael.tlauka@flinders.edu.au
Clark
C Richard
CR
Liu
Ping
P
Conway
Marie
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005071:Evoked Potentials; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009949:Orientation; D010812:Physical Stimulation; D011578:Psycholinguistics; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D011930:Reaction Time; D011932:Reading; D013028:Space Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D013037:Spatial Behavior; D013995:Time; D055698:Touch Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult