Perspective taking and systematic biases in object location memory

Abstract The aim of the current study was to develop a novel task that allows for quick assessment spatial memory precision with minimal technical and training requirements. In this task, participants memorized position an object in virtual room then judged from different perspective, whether has moved left or right. Results revealed exhibited systematic bias their responses we termed reversed congruency effect. Specifically, they performed worse when camera same direction than opposite directions. Notably, responded correctly almost 100% incongruent trials, regardless distance by which displaced. Experiment 2, showed effect cannot be explained movement on screen, but it relates perspective shift world. We also presence additional objects environment reduces such no longer predicts performance. 3, is greater older adults, suggesting quality perspective-taking abilities are critical. Overall, our results suggest driven difficulties precise encoding locations understanding how shifts affect projected positions two-dimensional image.