Perceptually induced distortions in cognitive maps

Cities on a map that are directly connected by a route are judged closer than unconnected cities. This route effect has been attributed to memory distortions induced by the integration of map information with high-level knowledge about implications of route connections. However, depicted routes also connect cities visually, thereby creating a single visual object - which implies a perceptual basis of the route effect. In this article we show that the effect does not depend on whether a map is presented as a map or as a meaningless pattern of symbols and lines (Experiment 1), and that the effect occurs even if spatial judgments are made vis-à-vis a permanently visible configuration (Experiment 2). These findings suggest that the distorted spatial representation is a by-product of perceptual organization, not of the integration of abstract knowledge in memory by given organization principles.