title: Superior cognitive mapping through single landmark-related learning than through boundary-related learning.
abstract: Cognitive mapping is assumed to be through hippocampus-dependent place learning rather than striatum-dependent response learning. However, we proposed that either type of spatial learning, as long as it involves encoding metric relations between locations and reference points, could lead to a cognitive map. Furthermore, the fewer reference points to specify individual locations, the more accurate a cognitive map of these locations will be. We demonstrated that participants have more accurate representations of vectors between 2 locations and of configurations among 3 locations when locations are individually encoded in terms of a single landmark than when locations are encoded in terms of a boundary. Previous findings have shown that learning locations relative to a boundary involve stronger place learning and higher hippocampal activation whereas learning relative to a single landmark involves stronger response learning and higher striatal activation. Recognizing this, we have provided evidence challenging the cognitive map theory but favoring our proposal. (PsycINFO Database Record
authors: Department of Psychology, University of Alberta.
authors: Ruojing
authors: R
authors: Zhou
authors: Department of Psychology, University of Alberta.
authors: Weimin
authors: W
authors: Mou
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D003463:Cues; D004777:Environment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013028:Space Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D065853:Spatial Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D013334:Students; D014495:Universities; D014584:User-Computer Interface