title: Spatial processes in linear ordering.
abstract: Memory performance in linear order reasoning tasks (A > B, B > C, C > D, etc.) shows quicker, and more accurate responses to queries on wider (AD) than narrower (AB) pairs on a hypothetical linear mental model (A - B - C - D). While indicative of an analogue representation, research so far did not provide positive evidence for spatial processes in the construction of such models. In a series of 7 experiments we report such evidence. Participants respond quicker when the dominant element in a pair is presented on the left (or top) rather than on the right (or bottom). The left-anchoring tendency reverses in a sample with Farsi background (reading/writing from right to left). Alternative explanations and confounds are tested. A theoretical model is proposed that integrates basic assumptions about acquired reading/writing habits as a scaffold for spatial simulation, and primacy/dominance representation within such spatial simulations. (PsycINFO Database Record
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology.
authors.forename: Ulrich
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: von Hecker
authors.affiliation: Albert-Ludwigs-Universität.
authors.forename: Karl Christoph
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Klauer
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology.
authors.forename: Lukas
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wolf
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Literature and Humanities Faculty.
authors.forename: Masoud
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fazilat-Pour
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D003469:Culture; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000502:physiology; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology; D011932:Reading; D012660:Semantics; D013028:Space Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D014956:Writing; D055815:Young Adult