Navigating through different levels of a video game, such as learning when to turn left or right and move up or down, is an everyday example of relying on a cognitive map.

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A cognitive map is a mental representation of the layout of a physical environment. This concept, initially demonstrated in Edward Tolman's experiments with rats in mazes, also applies to humans. People form these mental maps when navigating new locations, such as a museum or hospital. However, the effectiveness of a cognitive map can be diminished in confusing environments with similar-looking areas or limited lines of sight, which makes it difficult to navigate successfully.

Cognitive Map

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

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 new employee starts work in a large, modern office building. Every floor has the same gray carpeting, identical white walls, and rows of uniform cubicles. Despite walking the route from their desk to the cafeteria multiple times, the employee frequently gets disoriented and takes wrong turns. Which of the following best explains this difficulty in navigation?

In Edward Tolman's maze experiments, a group of hungry rats was allowed to explore a maze without any food reinforcement, while a comparison group was consistently rewarded. After several sessions, food was introduced in a goal box for the previously unreinforced group. These rats were then able to navigate the maze just as quickly as the continuously rewarded group, demonstrating that they had developed a cognitive map and engaged in latent learning during their initial exploration.

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