Almost without exception, published studies on cognition in orienteering have adopted an information processing perspective involving dualism between objective and subjective worlds. An alternative, experiential framework focuses on the orienteer's conception of (or way of experiencing) the task to be accomplished, and on "affordances" (lines of…

Spatial capacities of 36 children ages 5-6 were tested in 3 experiments involving an electronic maze, map training and testing, and finding the way out of a cave using a map. All subjects could use simple maps; this ability improved with age. However, no subject navigated the cave without help, perhaps because of stress or task complexity. (SV)

Compares novice and expert orienteers' map interpretation skills. Subjects asked to judge terrain from maps, including conditions inferable without corresponding map symbols. Experts' interpretation of identical symbols implies use of experiential knowledge. Internal knowledge characteristics discussed in terms of episodic-semantic memory…

Investigates kinds of map information selected and supplementary information desired by experienced orienteers. Reports that, based on lab and field studies, that contour lines were the most important map information, followed by information reducing physical or technical requirements. Concludes action theory is applicable to decision-making…

Compares injuries incurred by participants of Scottish six-day 1989 orienteering event, of 1990 Jan Kjellstrom memorial event, and previous events. Reports 2.21 injuries per 100 performances at 1989 event, and 1.42 injuries at Kjellstrom. Ankle sprains and cuts most common injuries. Injury differences described as season-related. Discusses…

Reviews recent research on information processing and decision making in orienteering. The main cognitive demands investigated were selection of relevant map information for route choice, comparison between map and terrain in map reading and in relocation, and quick awareness of mistakes. Presents a model of map reading based on results. Contains…

As part of Liverpool University's Developing Navigational Skills project, 3 experiments examined the natural orienting behaviors of children aged 7-10, tested children's orientation abilities following 6-week training based on landmark or compass techniques, and investigated children's orientation strategies in familiar and unknown environments.…

Annotated bibliography of 220 books, monographs, and journal articles on orienteering published 1984-94, from SPOLIT database of the Federal Institute of Sport Science (Cologne, Germany). Annotations in English or German. Ten sections including psychological, physiological, health, sociological, and environmental aspects; training and coaching;…