Do Sequence-Space Synesthetes have Enhanced Spatial Navigation Skills?
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2018-09-01
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en
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Individuals with sequence-space synesthesia perceive sequences like months, days and numbers in certain spatial arrangements. Several cognitive benefits have been associated with sequence-space synesthesia, such as enhanced mental rotation, better visual imagery and an advantage in spatial processing. The current study aimed to further investigate these cognitive benefits, specifically focussed on spatial navigation skills, since the previously reported cognitive benefits might be reflected in enhanced navigational performance. Synesthetes were distinguished from controls by means of a questionnaire, a consistency task and drawings. A virtual Morris Water Maze task with two allocentric and two egocentric navigation conditions was used to assess spatial navigation abilities. For the allocentric tasks, participants needed to use object cues to find a hidden platform and for the egocentric tasks they needed to use themselves as a reference. Results showed that synesthetes performed significantly better on one of the allocentric tasks and on one of the egocentric tasks compared to controls. Further analyses revealed that specifically synesthetes with the ability to rotate their spatial forms learned faster on the allocentric task. Results are consistent with the previously found mental rotation advantage and extend this advantage to performance on specific navigational tasks.
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Faculteit der Sociale Wetenschappen