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Sex Differences in Spatial Memory: Comparison of Three Tasks Using the Same Virtual Context
Laura Tascón1, Carmen Di Cicco2, Laura Piccardi3,4
1Department of Psychology, University of Cordoba, 14071 Cordoba, Spain.
Brain Sciences
|July 2, 2021
Summary
Men and women showed different spatial memory performance based on task difficulty and context familiarity. Familiarity with the spatial context reduced errors for all participants in spatial memory tasks.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive psychology
- Neuroscience
- Human behavior
Background:
- Spatial memory assessment varies, influencing cognitive load and results.
- Understanding sex differences in spatial memory requires considering task demands.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sex-based performance differences in three distinct spatial memory tasks.
- To analyze the impact of cognitive load and spatial context familiarity on spatial memory.
Main Methods:
- 287 undergraduates completed the Walking Space Boxes Room Task (WSBRT), Almeria Spatial Memory Recognition Test (ASMRT), or Non-Walking Space Boxes Room Task (NWSBRT).
- Performance metrics included time, errors, and correct answers.
- Tasks shared a spatial context but differed in cognitive demands.
Main Results:
- Men outperformed women in speed and optimal performance on WSBRT and ASMRT.
- Familiarity with the spatial context consistently reduced errors across all tasks.
- Task difficulty, participant role (active/passive), and visual information influenced outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Sex differences in spatial memory are moderated by context familiarity and task difficulty.
- Active participation and reduced visual information may impact performance.
- Task design is crucial for interpreting sex-based spatial memory differences.
