2-139 - Spatial Symbols and Spatial Thought: How Language and Maps Shape the Development of Spatial Thinking

Session Type: Paper Symposium

Integrative Statement

Spatial language facilitates spatial thinking (Miller, Patterson, & Simmering, 2016; Gentner, Özyürek, Gürcanli, & Goldin-Meadow, 2013; Pyers, Shusterman, Senghas, Spelke & Emmorey, 2010; Dessalegn & Landau, 2009, 2013; Casasola, 2005) and may do so by strengthening the encoding of intrinsic object properties (features of an object) and extrinsic object properties (relationships among objects). Like language, maps can symbolically represent the relationships between objects and thus scaffold spatial thought (Lei, Uttal, & Gentner, 2017; Uttal & Sheehan, 2014; Uttal, Gregg, & Chamberlin, 2001; Uttal, 2000). Here we present research using multiple methods that explores how two symbol systems, maps and language, can impact spatial reasoning.

The first paper shows cross-cultural differences in the relationship between parent spatial language and preschoolers’ spatial language and spatial skills. The second paper shows that school-aged children’s talk about intrinsic object properties (e.g., shape and color) predicts their memory for a configuration of objects. The third study demonstrates that experience with mapping software can improve spatial thinking and spatial problem solving in high school students.

A discussant will address the similarities between language and maps as symbol systems. A notable characteristic of these presentations is that they transcend any particular method or age group and hence demonstrate the importance of the relation between symbolic reasoning and spatial thinking across diverse developmental contexts. Together these studies elucidate the role that different symbol systems play in promoting spatial cognition.

Sub Unit

• Cognitive Processes

Chair

• Ashley Ransom, Cornell University

Discussant

• Marianella Casasola, Cornell University

Individual Presentations

• Parent Spatial Language Related to Child Spatial Language and Skills in Korea and the U.S. - Presenting Author: Daniel D. Suh, New York University; Non-Presenting Author: Keumjoo Kwak, Seoul National University; Non-Presenting Author: Marianella Casasola, Cornell University; Non-Presenting Author: Catherine S. Tamis-LeMonda, New York University

• Thinking Out Loud: Children's Language Use During a Spatial Pattern Task - Presenting Author: Ashley Ransom, Cornell University; Non-Presenting Author: Marianella Casasola, Cornell University

• Learning Mapping Software Improves High School Students' Spatial Reasoning - Presenting Author: David H Uttal, Northwestern University