Spatial schemas

To begin, however, we must first have an idea of how space could be used in abstract cognition. The first part of this introduction seeks to illustrate what is meant by spatial schemas, what is meant by abstract cognition, and how the latter may benefit from the former. In the second part, the aim is to identify two important points in formulating accounts of spatial schemas. First, our account of spatial schemas explores the idea that space can be a mechanism for cognition, not merely a metaphor for cognition. Second, our account of spatial schemas aims to identify the nature of the correspondences between space and other domains, and how those correspondences, or mappings, are established. The third part of this introduction proceeds to provide an overview of the contents of the book. 

Spatial schemas provide organization, and organization—particularly organization that links elements together the way spatial schemas do— improves memory (Cofer, 1973). As Neisser (1987) points out, our memory for personal history is tied to our sense of place, that exquisite set of mechanisms that allow us to know the layout of an environment, includ-... 

The question of how frequently spatial schemas are used as memorial structures and how effortful that use is appears to be related to whether the relevant spatial organization is available in the environment or must be constructed (either internally in the form of a mental array or mental... 

Ample evidence in the literature and reviewed in this volume indicates that people use spatial representations to deal with problems in other cognitive domains. This section discusses the possibility that animals also might use spatial schemas to deal with problems in other cognitive domains. The fundamental nature of spatial representations for the survival of organisms suggests that such representations might be found in both humans and nonhumans. Two speculative examples will be discussed here. 

Cultural Specificity of Spatial Schemas, as Manifested in Spontaneous Gestures... 

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