Validation of a 3-factor structure of spatial strategies and relations to possession and usage of navigational aids

The present study examined the construct validity of a 19-item self-report measure on environmental spatial strategies. A large sample (N > 4000) representative for the population in Germany comprising five age groups from <30 years to 50-80 years was accessed through a survey panel. Confirmatory factor analyses supported the separability of (1) egocentric spatial strategies (including sense of direction) from (2) an allocentric mental map strategy and (3) knowledge of cardinal directions. In addition, the present study investigated the possession and use of navigation aids with a focus on computer-based assistance. Relations between self-reported spatial strategies and use of navigational aids were analyzed. However, results do not suggest a strong relation between the use of navigational aids and self-reported spatial strategies.