Goodroe, Sarah C.; (2022) Neural and behavioral correlates of flexible navigation in complex space. Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

This thesis focused on a primary aim: investigate behavioral and neural correlates of flexible spatial navigation using a variety of methods. To do so, we combined immersive virtual reality, real-world navigation, and neuroimaging to better understand the nuances in flexible behavior. Across all five studies discussed in this thesis, we utilized Sea Hero Quest as a baseline measure of spatial ability and prospective predictor for both behavioral and neural measures. Importantly, the work presented in this thesis aimed for novelty in methods. First, this thesis presents the first fMRI results from a dynamic navigation task with a continuously moving goal position – to our knowledge. Second, we found no evidence for a relationship between performance in Sea Hero Quest and either real-world wayfinding / spatial memory measures or related neural measures (hippocampal volume ratio) – in contrast to some recent findings. Last, a new task design looking at spatial performance in an urban version of Sea Hero Quest highlighted the importance of realism in task design. Overall, the work presented in this thesis adds to an understanding of flexible navigation and, importantly, highlights areas in which the field might advance.

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