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Spatial memory in humans and animals: What's the difference?
In the study of cognitive psychology and neuroscience, spatial memory is regarded as a special form of memory that is closely related to the daily lives of humans and animals. This type of memory is crucial for people to plan routes, recall the location of objects and remember the time when events occurred. Spatial memory allows us to orient ourselves within a specific space. Spatial memory is equally important for animals, such as mice or birds, allowing them to find food or avoid dangerous objects.
The nature of spatial memory can be divided into two types: egocentric and allocentric spatial memory.
Research shows that human spatial memory needs are not limited to intuition and sensory recording, but also include complex cognitive map construction processes. The representation of these spatial memories can be seen in the specific brain regions involved in working, short-term and long-term memory.
Short-term and working space memory
Short-term memory (STM) can be viewed as a system that allows a person to temporarily store and manage large amounts of information in order to complete complex cognitive tasks. Such tasks include learning and reasoning. People's spatial memory helps them remember the spatial relationships between different locations and objects, such as navigating in a familiar city.
Working memory (WM) is a limited capacity system that can temporarily store and process information and enables individuals to integrate various information to complete complex tasks.
In fact, research suggests that many clinical trials related to WM have tested the importance of spatial memory (such as visual-spatial sketchpads) in problem solving. The central executive function involved helps maintain short-term memory and plays an important role in multitasking.
The structure of long-term spatial memory
Long-term spatial memory recall is based on a hierarchical structure, where individuals typically remember the general layout of a specific space and recall specific target locations based on this structure. This is an upstream way of using spatial details, thus helping them to form effective cognitive maps. These spatial features include general layout and orientation to landmarks.
Clinical studies have shown that humans are able to navigate, adapt and find their way in unfamiliar environments using landmarks and environmental features.
Human cognitive maps are by no means absolute; instead, they vary according to different task requirements. However, the factors that influence landmarks and spatial layout have not yet been determined, which puts psychologists in a "chicken and egg" paradox.
Applications of Virtual Reality
With the development of technology and virtual reality, a large number of studies have used virtual environments to explore spatial memory. The study showed that participants who used the virtual display performed better on spatial memory recall because they were able to make full use of their body's vestibular and proprioceptive senses to adapt to the environment.
Insights from Animal Research
In addition to humans, animals' performance in spatial memory cannot be ignored. Studies have shown that some birds, such as black-capped chickadees and woodpeckers, are able to use memory to locate caches of food. By controlling for multiple variables, the researchers could better understand whether the animals used spatial memory to find food.
Results from animal studies point to an important discovery: some species use spatial memory to locate hidden food caches.
Especially in large environments, animals are able to use landmarks to help them navigate, and in many cases these landmarks can be considered distractors or key elements in coordinating behavior.
Comparison of spatial memory ability between humans and animals
In summary, humans and animals have their own unique characteristics in spatial memory, but they also have certain commonalities. Human memory is influenced by language and culture, while animal memory is more directly related to survival needs. Whether in animals or humans, the formation and recall of spatial memories involve complex cognitive processes.
So, with the advancement of technology and the deepening of psychological research, can we understand more clearly the wonderful differences between humans and animals in the field of spatial memory?
