Behavioral and neurological studies in tactile map reading and training by persons who are blind or visually impaired

dc.contributor.authorLawrence, Megan McNally, 1977-
dc.date.accessioned2011-09-23T21:16:39Z
dc.date.available2011-09-23T21:16:39Z
dc.date.issued2011-06
dc.descriptionxiii, 103 p. : ill. (some col.)en_US
dc.description.abstractThis research investigates the relationship between map use tasks, spatial abilities and training-based effects in persons who are blind or visually impaired. A mixed-method approach using theories and methods in behavioral geography, tactile cartography and functional magnetic resonance imaging have produced finds that identify both behaviorally-based as well as biologically-based impacts resulting from systematic tactile map use and spatial thinking training. The neurological results indicate that prior to training a dominant egocentric/route strategy is used to answer all experimental map tasks, while after training an allocentric/survey strategy is used. The current study demonstrates that the adoption of an allocentric perspective is coupled with improved behavioral performance. The findings provide supporting evidence that people who are blind are capable of learning and applying sophisticated spatial strategies. The systematic progression from egocentric/route processing to allocentric/survey processing in the participant population follows traditional developmental models of spatial knowledge.en_US
dc.description.sponsorshipCommittee in charge: Amy Lobben, Chairperson; Andrew Marcus, Member; Patrick Bartlein, Member; Michal Young, Outside Memberen_US
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/1794/11564
dc.language.isoen_USen_US
dc.publisherUniversity of Oregonen_US
dc.relation.ispartofseriesUniversity of Oregon theses, Dept. of Geography, Ph. D., 2011;
dc.subjectSpatial strategiesen_US
dc.subjectMap readingen_US
dc.subjectBehavioral geographyen_US
dc.subjectBlinden_US
dc.subjectCognitive scienceen_US
dc.subjectTactile mapsen_US
dc.subjectTrainingen_US
dc.subjectGeographyen_US
dc.titleBehavioral and neurological studies in tactile map reading and training by persons who are blind or visually impaireden_US
dc.typeThesisen_US

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