Rick Bunch, University of North Carolina GreensboroRobert Earl Lloyd, University of South Carolina

Measure the performance efficiency of participants as they engage in map-reading tasks that require the processing of geographic information

To identify the relationships between top-down and bottom-up processes related to searching and recalling geographic information

Accuracy and reaction times are frequently used as measures of success (performance efficiency) in cognitive experiments

This study examine three factors that could influence performance: gender, memory, and brain asymmetry

Data Gather Steps◦ Measure second and fourth digits◦ Bem Sex Role Inventory◦ Spatial Working Memory Span Test (Computerized

version of the Corsi Block Task)◦ Verbal Working Memory Span Test

Experiment◦ Participants were randomly presented with state names

for the 48 contiguous states of the U.S. and asked to identify each state on an unlabeled map

Independent Explanation2D/4D Ratio Recorded in millimeters

Gender Femininity, Masculinity, Undifferentiated, Androgynous

Spatial Working Memory

Average of highest recalled objects for each round

Verbal Working Memory

Average of highest recalled letters for each round

Area Area of each state

Population Population of each state

Distance Participants’ home state to state

F = 5.8, P > F = 0.016F = 17.3, P > F = 0.000

F = 15.5, P > F = 0.000 F = 0.6, P > F = 0.446

Gender revealed interesting differences

Participants with high spatial AND Verbal scores had better performance

2D/4D ratio had mixed results

Area of the state and distance from home state impacted performance