Mental representations and cognitive maps in humans a review of research and theory

• Authors: Dominika Stryjewska , Bożena Janda-Dębek
• Languages of publication: EN

Abstracts

EN

This paper presents the current state of knowledge and research on human mental spatial representations in the form of cognitive maps. Theoretical considerations about the characteristics and components of cognitive maps, as well as about errors made during their construction, are discussed. The probable individual traits involved in mental spatial reconstruction are pointed out. Because most people today live in urban habitats, the paper devotes a considerable amount of space to describing and analyzing cognitive maps by Kevin Lynch. Also discussed is environment legibility, especially in the urban environment.

Keywords

EN

Mental representation; cognitive maps; elements of cognitive maps; errors in cognitive maps; urbanized environment; environment legibility

• Publisher: University of Wrocław, Institute of Psychology and Oficyna Wydawnicza ATUT - Wrocławskie Wydawnictwo Oświatowe
• Journal: Polish Journal of Applied Psychology
• Year: 2013
• Volume: 11
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 81-104

Contributors

author

Dominika Stryjewska

author

Bożena Janda-Dębek

• Department of Psychology, Faculty of Pedagogical and Historical Sciences, University of Wroclaw, Dawida 1, 50-527 Wroclaw