Representation of space in blind persons: vision as a spatial sense?
Abstract
Some researchers of studies of the incidence of early visual experience on spatial abilities have demonstrated profound spatial deficits in early blind participants, whereas others have not found evidence of deleterious effects of early visual deprivation. The aims of this article are to (a) consider the theoretical background of these studies, (b) take stock of the divergent data, and (c) propose new means of investigation. The authors examine the reasons why vision plays a critical role in spatial cognition. They review the literature data. They also review the factors that could account for the discrepant data and the effects of lack of early visual experience on brain functioning. They propose that the study of strategies is a valuable option to obtain insight into early blind persons' spatial impairment.
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This division of attention contributes to cognitive overload during Web interaction.
“This contributes to cognitive overload during Web interaction (Millar, 1994;Thinus-Blanc and Gaunet, 1997).”
From Understanding Blind Users' Web Accessibility and Usability Problems (2010) · cites this paper as Thinus-Blanc and Gaunet, 1997
BVI individuals, particularly those with early-onset and total blindness, exhibit a range of spatial deficits on spatial learning and wayfinding behaviors compared to sighted peers.
“people who are blind or visually impaired (BVI), particularly those with early-onset and total blindness, exhibit a range of spatial deficits on spatial learning and wayfinding behaviors as compared to their sighted peers”
From Cognitive Mapping Without Vision: Comparing Wayfinding Performance After Learning From Digital Touchscreen-Based Multimodal Maps vs. Embossed Tactile Overlays (2020) · cites this paper as Thinus-Blanc and Gaunet, 1997
The current findings speak to the issue of under-developed spatial abilities of BVI navigators described in the literature.
“The current findings also speak to the issue of under-developed spatial abilities of BVI navigators that are often described in the literature, e.g., deficits in building up and accessing accurate cognitive maps (for review, see Thinus-Blanc and Gaunet, 1997).”
From Cognitive Mapping Without Vision: Comparing Wayfinding Performance After Learning From Digital Touchscreen-Based Multimodal Maps vs. Embossed Tactile Overlays (2020) · cites this paper as Thinus-Blanc and Gaunet, 1997
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- Authors
- Thinus-Blanc, C., & Gaunet, F.
- ORCID
- Gaunet, Florence
- Venue
- Psychological Bulletin
- Published
- 1997-01
- Volume
- 121
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 20-42
- ISSN
- 0033-2909 (ISSN-L)
- 1939-1455
- OpenAlex
- W1983579728
- Cited by
- 477
- References
- 1
- Citations by year
- 2026: 14 · 2025: 11 · 2024: 17 · 2023: 26 · 2022: 23 · 2021: 23 · 2020: 29 · 2019: 16 · 2018: 22 · 2017: 29 · 2016: 24 · 2015: 27 · 2014: 19 · 2013: 19 · 2012: 21
- FWCI
- 3.40
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Psychological Bulletin (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Tactile and Sensory Interactions
- Physical Sciences › Engineering › Automotive Engineering › Spatial Cognition and Navigation
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Spatial Neglect and Hemispheric Dysfunction
- Keywords
- early blindness, spatial cognition, spatial ability, visual deprivation, neuroplasticity, spatial strategies, spatial representation
- MeSH terms
- Blindness, Brain, Humans, Locomotion, Orientation, Mental Recall, Sensory Deprivation, Space Perception
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