Memory for Virtual Routes as a Function of the Individual,Task,and Decision Point Characteristics

Abstract

Several factors contribute to route memory including how the route was initially experienced, personal engagement, and features like landmarks and intersections. In this experiment, participants observed two routes from a first-person perspective as a bicyclist. After the first route, memory was tested using a recognition task for route presented from the same egocentric perspective as the video. After the second route, memory was tested by asking participants to draw the route on a map with start and endpoints provided. Results indicated better performance on the recognition task than route drawing, even though memory for the first route was incidental. Surprisingly, the presence of landmarks at decision points had little impact on memory. There was a significant effect of decision point action (turn vs. straight) whereby continuing straight was associated with better memory. This study builds on the understanding of how route-related features contribute to memory and depend on situational factors.