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Spatial processes in linear ordering

von Hecker, Ulrich ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8873-0515, Klauer, Karl Christoph, Wolf, Lukas and Fazilat-Pour, Masoud 2016. Spatial processes in linear ordering. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition 42 (7) , pp. 1003-1033. 10.1037/xlm0000220

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Abstract

Memory performance in linear order reasoning tasks (A > B, B > C, C > D, etc.) shows quicker, and more accurate responses to queries on wider (AD) than narrower (AB) pairs on a hypothetical linear mental model (A – B – C – D). While indicative of an analogue representation, research so far did not provide positive evidence for spatial processes in the construction of such models. In a series of 7 experiments we report such evidence. Participants respond quicker when the dominant element in a pair is presented on the left (or top) rather than on the right (or bottom). The left-anchoring tendency reverses in a sample with Farsi background (reading/writing from right to left). Alternative explanations and confounds are tested. A theoretical model is proposed that integrates basic assumptions about acquired reading/writing habits as a scaffold for spatial simulation, and primacy/dominance representation within such spatial simulations.

Item Type: Article
Date Type: Publication
Status: Published
Schools: Psychology
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Publisher: American Psychological Association
ISSN: 0278-7393
Date of First Compliant Deposit: 7 April 2016
Date of Acceptance: 12 October 2015
Last Modified: 07 Nov 2023 03:25
URI: https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/85173

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