METHODOLOGICAL CONVERGENCE IN COGNITIVE MAPPING RESEARCH - INVESTIGATING CONFIGURATIONAL KNOWLEDGE

Thirteen tests designed to measure aspects of configurational knowledg e were compared and contrasted using a repeated measures, multi-data c ollection and multi-data analysis approach. Respondents consisted of 2 79 first-year undergraduates newly resident to the study area (Swansea , Wales). Respondents completed four tests, drawn from four different groupings which were consistent in nature. Tests were varied in spatia l cueing (the amount of information supplied) and location cueing (the amount of information requested). In addition, the data produced were subjected to systematic filtering (a set number of places were remove d from the analysis) and data-defined filtering (guesses and unfamilia r places were removed from the analysis). It is demonstrated that test s produce differing results and that task demands explain the variance s. It is recommended that multiple, mutually supportive tests should b e used to assess individuals' configurational knowledge. (C) 1996 Acad emic Press Limited