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According to psychologist Laura Carlson, the success of navigating an environment can be improved by enriching one's cognitive map with distinct landmarks. By consciously noting specific, memorable features upon entering a new space—such as a statue, a fountain, or a unique piece of art—an individual adds key reference points to their mental representation. These landmarks can later be used to orient oneself and find the way out, particularly in complex or confusing buildings.

Using Landmarks to Enhance Cognitive Maps

A person is visiting a large, unfamiliar hospital for the first time to find a specific department. The corridors on each floor look nearly identical, with similar doors and signage styles. To most effectively ensure they can find their way back to the main entrance later, which of the following actions should they take upon entering and navigating the building?

A student is visiting a large, multi-story university library for the first time. The floors look very similar, with long corridors of identical-looking bookshelves. The student needs to find a specific book in a far corner of the third floor and then be able to find their way back to the main entrance an hour later. Based on principles of spatial cognition, what is the most effective, conscious strategy the student could employ as they walk to the book's location to ensure they can easily find their way out later? Explain why this strategy is effective.

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