Abstract:
Based on what is known about spatial skills and the popularity of GPS technology, one could make the argument that the more an individual relies on that technology, the less likely they are to actually remember the features and layout of their environment. Not knowing the features and layout of one’s environment can be very detrimental and have serious consequences. The main objective of this study was to investigate the possible predictors of GPS usage and to test different models of how these predictors may be related. Path analyses were conducted to determine a best fitting model for the data. After testing all of the models, we found one model that fit the data nicely. In the final model, we found that wayfinding ability mediated the relationship between anxiety, object-based spatial ability and GPS usage. This study has important implications that could allow researchers to develop lessons to help people learn their environments, be able to judge when their GPS device is in error, and recover from its erroneous instructions. In short, this project has important practical implications and lays the groundwork for future research.
