Determinants of sketch-map orientation: An examination into the adoption of Egocentric and Conventional Systems of Reference to sketch-map drawing

This study examined the determinants of adults' sketch-map orientation in t erms of adoption of Egocentric and Conventional Systems of Reference (ESR a nd CSR) proposed by Shell and Egeth (1980). If an ESR adoption in sketch-ma p drawing depends on a tuning activity of 'orienting schemata' (Sholl, 1987 ), subjects are expected to comprehend their own body direction accurately at the current position. To test this hypothesis, subjects were asked to ju dge the direction to the library entrance relative to their body direction at the current position. Subjects were asked to judge the direcion to the n orth, to confirm that those who adopted CSR in sketch-map drawing regard th e top of the sketch-map as north. In addition, whether the Frequency of ESR adoption increases by telling subjects to draw the current position first, or not was examined. Results indicated a significant increase in ESR adopt ion. Subjects who adopted ESR performed well in judging the direction to th e library entrance. On the other hand, subjects who adopted CSR poorly perf ormed in judging the direction to the north.