title: Frames of reference in spatial span.
abstract: In four experiments, a computerized Corsi-like paradigm was used to assess which of the many reference frames are used in visuospatial short-term memory. By varying the relative orientation (slanted +/-45° or in an upright position) of the head and the displays, we modulate the utility of the allocentric, egocentric (eye- and head-centred), and template-centred reference frames. The results of all experiments showed the crucial importance of the gravitational allocentric reference frames while using visuospatial short-term memory to retain a spatial sequence of elements. The results also provide some support for a mental rotation process involved in recognition following angular displacement of a multi-item display.
authors.affiliation: Cognitive Neuroscience Sector, SISSA-ISAS (International School for Advanced Studies), Trieste, Italy. paolobernardis@units.it
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bernardis
authors.forename: Tim
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Shallice
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008570:Memory, Short-Term; D013028:Space Perception; D014796:Visual Perception; D055815:Young Adult