Embodying spatial maps

Humans do not learn spatial layouts by making detailed mental snapshots. In contrast, they organize and integrate the available information into dynamic cognitive structures. Indeed, there is evidence that sensory information undergoes considerable change on its way from the eye, ear, and other receptors to perceptual systems and memory. To account for a number of these changes, we present a theoretical framework based on the Theory of Event Coding (Hommel, Müsseier, Aschersleben & Prinz, 2001). We suggest that spatial maps consist of integrated event files or object-action complexes that include information about the features of objects of a layout and the actions these objects afford. We demonstrate how this framework explains available experimental effects and discuss further implications. Compilation copyright