An Introduction to Cognitive Maps

The term "cognitive map" was first used in 1948 by Tolman. However, the idea of cognitive maps dates back to 1913, where Trowbridge carried out investigations in cognitive maps, which he called "imaginary maps". His primary interest was to investigate why some people were more easily confused when performing orientation tasks than were others.

There are many different definitions for cognitive maps, two of them I have listed below:

1. A cognitive map is a mental device that codes and simplifies the way our spatial environment is arranged. (Ormrod [7] et al., 1998).
   
2. A cognitive map is a neural mechanism which enables its user to solve navigation and orientation tasks as if using a real map of the environment. (Mallot [1]).

Current theories suggest that humans as well as "higher developed" mammals have cognitive maps to map their environment into their brain, keeping a geometrical relationship. It is quite hard to find out how cognitive maps in humans and animals work, and even to prove their existence.

Cognitive maps in animals

Cognitive maps in humans

Cognitive maps in robots

References

Interesting links