Comparison of Qualitative Point Symbols: The Cognitive Process

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Abstract
This study considers the cognitive process used to compare qualitative point symbols on a reference map and on internal cognitive representations of the reference map. Experiments were performed that measured the time it took subjects to determine if symbols were the same or different and to scan the map image between pairs of symbols. One group of subjects performed the comparison task while looking at a test map. Other groups performed the same task from memory after coding the information using the test map or a verbal listing of the same information. Results indicate that the symbol comparison process used by the subjects assigned to the memory conditions was the same as the one used by the subjects who compared symbols while looking at the test map. Although subjects could scan map images from one location to another, this was apparently not done to compare qualitative point symbols. Comparisons seemingly were done by finding the first symbol on the map or map image and then refocusing attention to find the second symbol and make the comparison. The experimental data supports arguments for the functional equivalence of maps and map images and for a dual coding theory in which both visual and verbal information is used to code map images.

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