Human Spatial Cognition and Experience: Mind in the World, World in the Mind

This book provides an introduction to human spatial cognition and experience, designed for graduate and advanced undergraduate students interested in the study of maps in the head and the psychology of space. It explores how our knowledge and feelings about space shape our behavior and experiences, and highlights the importance of spatial information and technology in our lives.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 07 July 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Inc

This comprehensive book provides an insightful introduction to human spatial cognition and experience, catering to graduate and advanced undergraduate students with a keen interest in the study of maps in the head and the psychology of space. Our existence is intertwined with the surrounding space, and we constantly engage with it, whether consciously or unconsciously. Our perceptions of this space shape our decisions and actions, influencing our navigation abilities and sense of direction. Have you ever wondered why some individuals effortlessly navigate using mental maps while others struggle with physical maps? What exactly do you mean when you express a lack of direction? How do we establish our location and comprehend the spatial information around us?

This book aims to unravel the complexities of human spatial cognition and experience, shedding light on how our knowledge and feelings emerge as a result of our interactions with the surrounding space. It demonstrates that our knowledge and feelings directly influence, guide, or limit our spatial behavior and experiences. Space, in particular, the space we perceive, holds significant importance. Research into spatial cognition and experience has garnered significant attention, with the 2014 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine being awarded for research into a positioning system in the brain, often referred to as the inner GPS. Moreover, spatial information and technology have recently been recognized as vital social infrastructures.

This book serves as a valuable resource for students embarking on a journey into this captivating field of research. It offers a comprehensive coverage of theoretical, empirical, and practical aspects, encompassing cognitive maps, spatial orientation, spatial ability and thinking, and geospatial information. Each chapter delves into these topics, providing a thorough understanding of the key concepts and advancements in the field. Whether you are a psychology student, a geography enthusiast, or simply someone interested in the human mind and its spatial capabilities, this book will provide you with valuable insights and a deeper appreciation of the complexities of human spatial cognition and experience.

Weight: 518g
Dimension: 174 x 246 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780815369868