Motoric engagement, but not decision-making, during encoding influences route memory

Abstract

Navigation aids limit the need for decision-making, possibly hindering memory for routes traveled. We manipulated type of navigation at encoding, within virtual-reality. In the Active condition participants self-initiated decision-making about routes, to find a target, and in the Guided condition followed a pre-defined path overlaid onto virtual streets. In both, they had volitional control using hand-held controllers, allowing head and body rotation in a swivel chair. In the Passive condition they viewed a pre-defined route, with no control of movement. At retrieval, participants were asked to reproduce their exact route from the initial starting point. Route memory was better following Active and Guided encoding than Passive. A visual navigation aid does not impair route memory if volitional movement is maintained.