Part-whole processing model of spatial recall¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · 2 claims (2 for) · 1 study (1 associational), q2 · 1 of 1 report an effect size · 2 claims rest on one study

Description¶

The article proposes a model of cognitive processing in which effective recall of spatial attributes depends on treating spatial arrays as part-whole relations: individual features are encoded and recalled as discrete entities or small groups separable from the whole map context. The Figural Creativity and Hidden Patterns results jointly support this account, since embellishing individual features and separating figures from embedded contexts both reflect treating items as "separable-from the whole map." Reconstruction is achieved by successive recall of map microstructures from within the stored macrostructure.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Learners must be able to perceive individual features as separable from the whole spatial field for accurate reconstruction

Constraints¶

• The article describes this as only an initial, incomplete effort toward seeking underlying causes of spatial recall differences

Target Learners¶

• high school students
• college undergraduates

Target Learning Objectives¶

• spatial recall of map features
• spatial cognition

Claims¶

• Field Independent Better Map Feature Placement [+M]
• Fdi Figural Creativity Predict Spatial Recall [+M]

Related Theories¶

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Shaha, Steven H. (1982). Cognitive Processes Functional in Spatial Recall. CSE Report No. 193, Center for the Study of Evaluation, UCLA. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED228271