Author Question: What is the adaptive significance of cognitive maps? What will be an ideal ... (Read 66 times)

Engineer · **on:** Jun 20, 2018

What is the adaptive significance of cognitive maps?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Can semantic or propositional knowledge influence our mental representations of world maps? Describe the relevant research results.

What will be an ideal response?

Anton · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 20, 2018

Answer to Question 1

To survive, we need to find our way around the environment in which we live. We need to get from one place to another. Sometimes, to get between places, we need to imagine the route we will need to traverse. Mental imagery provides a key basis for this adaptation. In some societies, the ability to navigate with the help of very few cues is a life or death issue. If sailors cannot do so, they eventually get lost and potentially die of dehydration or starvation. Thus, our imagery abilities are potential keys to our survival and to what makes us intelligent in our everyday lives.

Answer to Question 2

Semantic or propositional knowledge (or beliefs) can influence our imaginal representations of world maps. Specifically, students from 71 sites in 49 countries were asked to draw a sketch map of the world. Most students (even Asians) drew maps showing a Eurocentric view of the world. Many Americans drew Americentric views. A few others showed views centered on and highlighting their own countries. In addition, most students showed modest distortions that enlarged the more prominent, well-known countries. They also diminished the sizes of less well-known countries.