Spatial language (SL) is thought to be dependent on spatial representations (SR). To support this idea, Hayward & Tarr (1995) showed that Ss use identical frames of reference (FRs) in describing relations between located objects and reference objects (ROs) (SL-task) as well as in relocating objects with respect to ROs (SR-task). But, which FR (intrinsic, deictic, extrinsic) caused the findings is unclear. Van der Zee et al. found that Ss impose FRs on abstract objects in order to define places corresponding to the meaning of intrinsic used prepositions (SL-task). Abstract objects have no knowledge associated with them, so only their spatial properties (shape) could serve as the basis of the intrinsic FRs. However, no experiment without SL was conducted. The present experiment removed the above-mentioned shortcomings.
Ss relocated dots with respect to ROs. To assure intrinsic reference, the RO's orientation changed between encoding the relation and reproducing it (0/45/90/135 degrees change). Two objects were used, with 8 directions defined around them, and four distances in each direction (32 dot-locations). During encoding, dots were shown in one of two directions on the screen.
Clear effects of intrisic FRs as well as other FRs were found. The latter FRs only lead to improvement in relocation, though, when there is no orientation change.
Stronger evidence for commonalities in SR-tasks and SL-tasks has been found. Even with an abstract object, identical intrinsic FRs are found in tasks with and without SL. Changing orientation between encoding and relocating seems to avoid interference of other FRs.
Referat in der Gruppe Raumkognition, Dienstag, 30. März 1999, 15:00, HS 15
