Rick Bunch, University of North Carolina Greensboro
Robert 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 bottomup 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
Explanation
2D/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 = 17.3, P > F = 0.000
F = 15.5, P > F = 0.000
F = 5.8, P > F = 0.016
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