SHAPE IN REVEALED MENTAL MAPS∗

Abstract

ABSTRACT Shape is an integral part of the spatial information contained in mental maps. A central problem in isolating shape representations in revealed mental maps is to expunge the measurement effects we incorporate into the data during analysis. Using two independent data sets derived from portrayed shapes of Africa, factor analytic tests indicate that we can separate measurement error from systematic misrepresentations of the African shape. Independently derived factor structures reflect the tendency for subjects to represent the shape of Africa as a regular geometric form. KEY WORDS: AfricaMental mapsShape Notes ∗We wish to thank Professor Douglas Caruso, Department of Geography, Pennsylvania State University, for helpful comments on an earlier draft of this article, and Mr. Joel Musyani, Bureau of Resource Assessment and Land Use Planning, University of Dar es Salaam, for performing the calculations and areal measurements necessary to prepare the maps of the Tanzanian students for the factor analysis.