Human Systems Integration Division @ NASA Ames

"INTRODUCTION - We previously demonstrated: 1) initial learning of navigational maps produced discriminative reaction times (RTs) that were most rapid when the maps were seen in the same orientation as that in which they were initially learned, 2) RTs were significantly reduced with repeated presentations, and 3) information learned from the maps was not sufficient for all observers to recognize aerial photographs of the same airports. The present study examined the relative effectiveness of initial training on photographs versus maps. METHOD - Each of 40 participants was trained to discriminate between two navigational maps or two photographs of airports that were seen in only one orientation; they subsequently were tested with both maps and aerial photographs of the same airports that were seen in various orientations rolled about the line of sight.
RESULTS - When initially trained on navigational maps, participants responded faster to the maps than to the photographs; when initially trained on photographs, they responded more quickly to the photographs (df = 1/39; F = 32.7, p <0.001). Discriminative RT decreased with repeated trials (df=""4/156;"" F=""111.4,"" p<0.001). The rate at which RT decreased with trials was greater when participants responded to new than to previously learned stimuli (df=""4/156;"" F=""28.6,"" p < 0.001). The effects of orientation varied with trials, and depended on the initially trained stimuli, i.e., maps or photos (df=""28/1092;"" F=""1.8,"" p < 0.01).
CONCLUSIONS - The speed with which observers can identify maps or photographs of airports depends on initial learning conditions, some of which are shown here. "