Structuring Knowledge with Cognitive Maps and Cognitive Graphs

Humans and animals use mental representations of the spatial structure of the world to navigate. The classical view is that these representations take the form of Euclidean cognitive maps, but alternative theories suggest that they are cognitive graphs consisting of locations connected by paths. We review evidence suggesting that both map-like and graph-like representations exist in the mind/ brain that rely on partially overlapping neural systems. Maps and graphs can operate simultaneously or separately, and they may be applied to both spatial and nonspatial knowledge. By providing structural frameworks for complex information, cognitive maps and cognitive graphs may provide fundamental organizing schemata that allow us to navigate in physical, social, and conceptual spaces.

Automated summary

This paper discusses the existence of map-like and graph-like cognitive representations in the brain, which rely on partially overlapping neural systems. Maps and graphs can operate separately or simultaneously, and they can be applied to both spatial and nonspatial knowledge. Cognitive maps and cognitive graphs provide structural frameworks for complex information, enabling navigation in various spaces.