Enclosure shape influences cue competition effects and goal location learning

Wilson, Paul N.; Wilson, Paul N.; Alexander, Tim

Abstract

In virtual-environment spatial-learning procedures, Experiment 1 investigated blocking of learning about distal landmarks beyond the walls of an enclosure following preliminary training to find a goal using local landmarks within the enclosure. Separate sets of blocking and control groups searched within enclosures that, in plan view, formed either a square or a circle. Blocking was apparent when training and testing occurred in the circular but not the square enclosure. In Experiment 2, preliminary training to find a goal using local landmarks blocked spatial learning based on a circular enclosure divided into four differently coloured sections. The results are discussed in relation to theories of incidental versus error-correcting learning linked to different types of spatial cue.

Citation

Wilson, P. N., & Alexander, T. (2010). Enclosure shape influences cue competition effects and goal location learning. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 63(8), 1552-1567. https://doi.org/10.1080/17470210903428761

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 8, 2009
• Online Publication Date: Aug 1, 2010
• Publication Date: Aug 1, 2010
• Deposit Date: Nov 13, 2014
• Journal: Quarterly Journal Of Experimental Psychology
• Print ISSN: 1747-0218
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 63
• Issue: 8
• Pages: 1552-1567
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17470210903428761
• Keywords: Spatial learning; Landmarks; Geometry; Cue competition; Blocking; Virtual environment
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/462586
• Publisher URL: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17470210903428761
• Contract Date: Nov 13, 2014