A mechanistic approach to individual differences in spatial learning, memory, and navigation

Amy L. Shelton, Steven A. Marchette, Andrew J. Furman

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

Navigation is a complex task that depends on the processes of perception, learning, memory, and reasoning to be successful. Given this complexity, it is not surprising that humans (and other species) vary dramatically in their approach and success at navigation. This wide range of abilities has been of great interest to the field of human spatial cognition. In addition, spatial navigation is a cross-species phenomenon that can speak. to a variety of learning and memory processes. Therefore, understanding individual differences in this domain can offer a wide range of insights that affect many behaviors in the real world. A cognitive framework that gives precedent to the flexible use of spatial information and explicit or declarative learning processes has driven much of the work on individual differences in navigation in humans. However, animal models of basic learning mechanisms may also offer substantial insight into individual differences in both how well people navigate their surroundings and in the strategies or styles that they bring to bear on the navigational problems. This mechanistic approach may offer a stronger foundation for not only how individual differences might emerge but also how they interact with differences in the environments and goals that drive our need to learn, remember, and navigate in the world.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationPsychology of Learning and Motivation - Advances in Research and Theory
PublisherAcademic Press Inc.
Pages223-259
Number of pages37
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013

Publication series

NamePsychology of Learning and Motivation - Advances in Research and Theory
Volume59
ISSN (Print)0079-7421

Keywords

  • Aging
  • Landmark-route-survey framework
  • Morris water maze
  • Navigation
  • Radial arm maze
  • Spatial learning

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Psychology
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology

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