Accession Number:

ADA106389

Title:

Ability Differences and Cognitive Mapping Skill

Descriptive Note:

Interim rept.

Corporate Author:

RAND CORP SANTA MONICA CA

Personal Author(s):

• Thorndyke, Perry W.
• Goldin, Sarah E.

Report Date:

1981-03-01

Pagination or Media Count:

65.0

Abstract:

Compares good and poor cognitive mappers on a number of individual difference variables potentially related to cognitive mapping skill spatial abilities, visualverbal processing style, motivation, and experience. Good and poor mapper groups were given several assessment tests for each of these categories. Comparisons of good and poor mappers performance on these tests indicated that only spatial abilities reliably distinguished good mappers from poor mappers. Good cognitive mappers showed greater visualization ability, spatial orientation ability, visual memory, and field independence. Other measures showed no between-group differences. It is concluded that spatial ability is a major determinant of cognitive mapping skill and that spatial ability tests can be used to select personnel for tasks requiring navigation, orientation, and spatial judgment skills.

Descriptors:

• *SKILLS
• *REASONING
• *MAPPING
• *PERCEPTION
• PERFORMANCE(HUMAN)
• MAP READING
• MEMORY(PSYCHOLOGY)
• RECOGNITION
• VISUAL PERCEPTION
• MOTIVATION
• JUDGEMENT(PSYCHOLOGY)
• LEARNING
• APTITUDE TESTS
• APTITUDES

Subject Categories:

• Psychology
• Cartography and Aerial Photography

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE