Cited by 283Spatial Cognition and NavigationMemory and Neural MechanismsCognitive Science and Mapping

Structuring knowledge with cognitive maps and cognitive graphs

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Peer, Michael, Brunec, Iva K., Newcombe, Nora S., Epstein, Russell A.·2021·Trends in Cognitive Sciences

Abstract

Humans and animals use mental representations of the spatial structure of the world to navigate. The classical view is that these representations take the form of Euclidean cognitive maps, but alternative theories suggest that they are cognitive graphs consisting of locations connected by paths. We review evidence suggesting that both map-like and graph-like representations exist in the mind/brain that rely on partially overlapping neural systems. Maps and graphs can operate simultaneously or separately, and they may be applied to both spatial and nonspatial knowledge. By providing structural frameworks for complex information, cognitive maps and cognitive graphs may provide fundamental organizing schemata that allow us to navigate in physical, social, and conceptual spaces.

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Crossref · 10.1016/j.tics.2020.10.004

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  • When content is exposed interconnecting the verbal and the visual, it facilitates the construction of connections, relationships, and understanding in the cognitive structure.

    “Based on learning theories, when content is exposed interconnecting the verbal and the visual, it facilitates the construction of connections, relationships, and understanding in the cognitive structure (Peer et al., 2021).”

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  1. [14]Lynch K (1960) The Image of the City, MIT Press.

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Authors
Peer, M., Brunec, I. K., Newcombe, N. S., & Epstein, R. A.
Affiliations
  • University of Pennsylvania (US)
  • Temple University (US)
Corresponding author
Epstein, Russell A.
Venue
Trends in Cognitive Sciences
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2021-01
Volume
25
Issue
1
Pages
37-54
ISSN
1364-6613 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W3110486140
Cited by
283
References
208
Citations by year
2026: 37 · 2025: 61 · 2024: 55 · 2023: 57 · 2022: 45 · 2021: 25 · 2020: 2 · 2019: 1
FWCI
2.24
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Trends in Cognitive Sciences (acceptedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
  • National Science Foundation
  • National Institutes of Health
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Automotive Engineering › Spatial Cognition and Navigation
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory and Neural Mechanisms
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Artificial Intelligence › Cognitive Science and Mapping
Keywords
cognitive maps, cognitive graphs, spatial representation, mental navigation, knowledge organization, conceptual space, spatial cognition
MeSH terms
Animals, Brain, Cognition, Humans, Space Perception, Knowledge, Spatial Navigation

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