Strategies for map learning

Perry W. Thorndyke, Cathleen Stasz

Expert InsightsPublished 1979

Acquiring knowledge from a map depends upon processes for focusing attention, encoding information, and integrating knowledge. This paper describes the heuristics people use to learn maps. Verbal protocols were obtained from three expert map users and five novice map users attempting to learn a map. Analysis of the protocols suggested four processes invoked during learning: attention, encoding, evaluation, and control. Subjects showed large variations in success at learning the map and in the learning heuristics they used. Analyses of the data revealed that use of certain heuristics, particularly those for encoding spatial information, was most predictive of learning success. In addition, good learners differed from poor learners in their ability to evaluate their progress and to focus attention in accordance with a learning plan. A comparison of the performance of experts and novices suggested that success in learning depended on use of powerful heuristics and not on prior map-using expertise.

Document Details

  • Copyright: RAND Corporation
  • Availability: Web Only
  • Year: 1979
  • Pages: 25
  • Document Number: P-6311

Citation

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Thorndyke, Perry W. and Cathleen Stasz, Strategies for map learning. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1979. https://www.rand.org/pubs/papers/P6311.html.
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