The Effects of Spatial Scanning Ability, Perceptual Speed, Age, and Navigation Aid on Navigation Performance

This study investigated the relationship among spatial scanning ability, perceptual speed, and navigation performance in older and younger drivers. Fifty-six drivers performed a navigation task in a part-task driving simulator using: 1) text directions, 2) a standard paper map, 3) an enlarged paper map, and 4) a turn-by-turn display. Measures included navigation error rate and decision time, and spatial scanning and perceptual speed scores. Younger drivers performed better than the older drivers in error rate and decision time, and the turn-by-turn display improved performance compared to either map. Spatial scanning ability was a stronger predictor of error rate, while perceptual speed was a stronger predictor of decision time. The results suggest that navigation aids requiring minimal spatial and perceptual processing can improve navigation performance.