Multiple Modalities and Multiple Frames of Reference for Spatial Knowledge Call      Description      Leaders      Meeting Topics      VARENIUS HOME

Topical Research Areas

Multiple Modalities:

learning environments via maps, navigation, and virtual navigation

tactile, auditory, and visual localization and navigation

learning environments from spatial descriptions

relative, intrinsic, and absolute reference frames for describing locations

orientation-free vs. orientation-specific representations

heads-up and north-up maps in navigation systems

mixing gaze, route, and survey perspectives in descriptions

expressing differing modalities or frames through language

cross-cultural differences in the use of reference frames.

How do children acquire spatial knowledge and expertise with maps, navigation (real and virtual), and spatial descriptions?

How does the ability to acquire and use spatial knowledge vary over the life-span?

How do people integrate and reconcile information gathered via various input modes?

What are the relative advantages and disadvantages of the various types/modes of spatial information?

How does information gained through one modality transfer to other modalities for recognition?

Do people integrate spatial knowledge acquired via different perspectives? What is the nature of the representation(s) and what processes does it support?

How do people conceive of perspectives other than those that have been directly experienced? What impact does the experienced perspective have on the conceptualization of other perspectives?