The influence of context and strategy on spatial task performance
Date
2016
Authors
Zelinski, Erin Lynn
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : Department of Neuroscience
Abstract
This thesis examines naturally occurring variability in the performance of spatial tasks in
order to shed light on the neurobiology that underpins human experience. It tests the
theory that differences in performance of spatial tasks are an emergent property of
differences in how contextual information is interpreted and the strategy implemented
during task performance. Results indicate that enhanced performance accuracy in males
may reflect the use of a more topographically tuned strategy rather than better spatial
ability than females per se. Males and females may have different pressures leading to
tendencies to rely more often on particular strategies, but this does not mean that
generally one group is better than the other. Differential recruitment of lateral and medial
entorhinal cortex and the nature of the information processed therein and in afferent
regions of hippocampus may be what drives the differences in spatial accuracy and
strategy implementation between males and females.
Description
Keywords
contextual information interpretation , human experience , sex differences , spatial abilities , spatial task performance , strategy selection