Hanspeter A. Mallot, Gregor Hardiess and Friedrich Hamm

Do language based representations support spatial performance? 

 

Abstract

Recent theories of embodied cognition suggest that verbal representations are given meaning by “simulation” processes performed in non-verbal, sensori-motor representations. This theory seems to suggest that non-verbal representation alone would be sufficient to generate functional behaviour. The role of verbal representations would be limited to communicative and dialogic uses.

In a series of recent experiments, we have tested the (alternative) hypothesis that language-based representations do support spatial behaviour even in monologic situations. Subjects were trained to find goals in a virtual environment comprising an iterated Y-maze with clearly nameable landmark information at each decision point. In three conditions, subjects were either allowed to explore and learn on their own (“baseline condition”), or were instructed at each place to select from a list either a suitable name of a place (“word condition”) or an icon summarizing the gist of the landmarks presented at that place (“icon condition”). The experiment was performed both for a route and for a map learning task. The talk will discuss preliminary results obtained from this experiment.