Variations in Map-Reading Performance Efficiency

1
Variations in Map-Reading Performance Efficiency

• Rick Bunch, University of North Carolina
  Greensboro
• Robert Earl Lloyd, University of South Carolina

2
Purpose and Problem

• Measure the performance efficiency of
  participants as they engage in map-reading tasks
  that require the processing of geographic
  information
• To identify the relationships between top-down
  and bottom-up processes related to searching and
  recalling geographic information

3
Performance

• Accuracy and reaction times are frequently used
  as measures of success (performance efficiency)
  in cognitive experiments
• This study examine three factors that could
  influence performance gender, memory, and brain
  asymmetry

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Task

• Data Gather Steps
• Measure second and fourth digits
• Bem Sex Role Inventory
• Spatial Working Memory Span Test (Computerized
  version of the Corsi Block Task)
• Verbal Working Memory Span Test
• Experiment
• Participants were randomly presented with state
  names for the 48 contiguous states of the U.S.
  and asked to identify each state on an unlabeled
  map

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Variables
Independent Explanation
2D/4D Ratio Recorded in millimeters
Gender Femininity, Masculinity, Undifferentiated, Androgynous
Spatial Working Memory Average of highest recalled objects for each round
Verbal Working Memory Average of highest recalled letters for each round
Area Area of each state
Population Population of each state
Distance Participants home state to state
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Selected Results
F 5.8, P gt F 0.016
F 17.3, P gt F 0.000
F 15.5, P gt F 0.000
F 0.6, P gt F 0.446
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Conclusions

• Gender revealed interesting differences
• Participants with high spatial AND Verbal scores
  had better performance
• 2D/4D ratio had mixed results
• Area of the state and distance from home state
  impacted performance