Enclosure shape influences cue competition effects and goal location learning

Abstract

In virtual-environment spatial-learning procedures, Experiment 1 investigated blocking of learning about distal landmarks beyond the walls of an enclosure following preliminary training to find a goal using local landmarks within the enclosure. Separate sets of blocking and control groups searched within enclosures that, in plan view, formed either a square or a circle. Blocking was apparent when training and testing occurred in the circular but not the square enclosure. In Experiment 2, preliminary training to find a goal using local landmarks blocked spatial learning based on a circular enclosure divided into four differently coloured sections. The results are discussed in relation to theories of incidental versus error-correcting learning linked to different types of spatial cue.

Keywords:

• Spatial learning
• Landmarks
• Geometry
• Cue competition
• Blocking
• Virtual environment

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by a grant from the United Kingdom, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council to Paul N. Wilson.