title: Solving for two unknowns: an extension of vector-based models of landmark-based navigation.
abstract: Vectors are mathematical representations of distance and direction information that take the form of line segments where length represents distance and orientation in space represents direction. Vector-based models have proven beneficial in understanding the spatial behavior of a variety of species in tasks that require landmark-based navigation via vector addition and vector averaging to determine a location. Extant research regarding vector-based representational and computational accounts of landmark-based navigation has involved tasks that required solving for one unknown (i.e., a location). Using a novel landmark-based navigation task, we provide evidence consistent with a form of vector algebra that involves solving two simultaneous equations with two unknowns in order to determine a location in space. Results extend vector-based accounts of landmark-based navigation and provide a novel methodological approach to the testing of mobile organisms.
authors: Department of Psychology, Armstrong Atlantic State University,229 Science Center, 11935 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31419, USA. bradley.sturz@armstrong.edu
authors: Bradley R
authors: BR
authors: Sturz
authors: S Paul
authors: SP
authors: Cooke
authors: Kent D
authors: KD
authors: Bodily
mesh_terms: D003463:Cues; D004777:Environment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009949:Orientation / Q000502:physiology; D013028:Space Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D013037:Spatial Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult