cognitive map

a mental understanding of an environment, formed through trial and error as well as observation. The concept is based on the assumption that an individual seeks and collects contextual clues, such as environmental relationships, rather than acting as a passive receptor of information needed to achieve a goal. Human beings and other animals have well-developed cognitive maps that contain spatial information enabling them to orient themselves and find their way in the real world (see spatial cognition); symbolism and meaning are also contained in such maps. See also environmental cognition; landmark; mental map. [introduced by Edward C. Tolman]

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Psychology term of the day

December 19th 2024

aniseikonia

n. a condition in which the two eyes perceive images of unequal size or shape when these are viewed through each eye separately. It may be an unintended consequence of clinical alterations made to the cornea or lens.