Passarello, Noemi (2024) The Interplay Between Visuospatial Working Memory and Spatial Orientation in Dynamic Environments: Developing a Virtual Reality Paradigm for Realistic Assessment. [Tesi di dottorato]

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Tipologia del documento: Tesi di dottorato
Lingua: English
Titolo: The Interplay Between Visuospatial Working Memory and Spatial Orientation in Dynamic Environments: Developing a Virtual Reality Paradigm for Realistic Assessment
Autori:
Autore
Email
Passarello, Noemi
noemi.passarello@gmail.com
Data: 11 Dicembre 2024
Numero di pagine: 170
Istituzione: Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II
Dipartimento: Studi Umanistici
Dottorato: Mind, gender and languages
Ciclo di dottorato: 37
Coordinatore del Corso di dottorato:
nome
email
Bacchini, Dario
dario.bacchini@unina.it
Tutor:
nome
email
Mandolesi, Laura
[non definito]
Data: 11 Dicembre 2024
Numero di pagine: 170
Parole chiave: Virtual Reality; visuospatial working memory; motor experience; Radial Arm Maze
Settori scientifico-disciplinari del MIUR: Area 11 - Scienze storiche, filosofiche, pedagogiche e psicologiche > M-PSI/01 - Psicologia generale
Informazioni aggiuntive: Tesi di dottorato del 37° ciclo
Depositato il: 07 Gen 2025 15:43
Ultima modifica: 02 Set 2026 08:07
URI: https://www.fedoa.unina.it/id/eprint/16453

Abstract

Cognitive functioning is essential for how we navigate and interact with our surroundings, and it is significantly influenced by external factors. This thesis examines the role of visuospatial working memory (VSWM) in navigation and how it is impacted by external factors. VSWM is essential for spatial awareness and effective navigation, and various environmental influences can significantly affect its function. The first chapter reviews existing research on the relationship between environmental factors and cognitive functioning, focusing on how these factors shape cognitive development and performance. Chapter two delves into theoretical and methodological approaches to assessing VSWM, advocating for more ecologically valid methods. It introduces a novel tool developed to assess VSWM in children and highlights the potential of virtual reality (VR) to simulate real-world navigation challenges in controlled environments. The third chapter applies the concept of VSWM to spatial navigation, using a VR version of the Radial Arm Maze (RAM). This innovative approach addresses limitations of traditional RAM paradigms by offering a more dynamic and immersive representation of real-world navigation. The study presents new performance metrics and analytical techniques, exploring how procedural strategies and working memory interact during complex spatial tasks. Ultimately, this thesis emphasizes the importance of ecological validity in cognitive assessments, linking controlled experimental conditions to real-world applications. The findings provide insights into how environmental factors influence VSWM and suggest potential interventions for individuals facing challenges with spatial memory and awareness.

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