Individual Differences in a Dual Task Context,
Abstract
This paper examines the effects of individual differences on spatial cognition. Twelve subjects, of either high spatial or verbal abilities, were examined while performing a mental rotation task under single and dual task conditions. The results indicate that mental rotation was used by both groups in the single task condition and the verbal group used an alternate strategy in the dual task condition. Aretz (1988, 1989, 1991) suggests that a pilot maintains navigational awareness through the constant mental alignment of two frames of reference: the ego centered reference frame (ERF) and the world centered reference frame (WRF) (see also Wickens, Aretz, and Harwood, 1989). The ERF is the pilot's view from the cockpit, and the WRF is a typical map with north at the top. Previous studies (Aretz, 1988, 1989, 1991) demonstrate that mental rotation seems to be required to maintain a congruent alignment between the ERF and WRF.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 17, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADP006950
Entities
People
- Anthony J. Aretz
- Christopher R. Rate
Organizations
- United States Air Force Academy