Dual Assessment of Developmental Topographical Disorientation: Comparing Self-Reported Measures with Actual Navigational Performance

It is now online the article: Dual Assessment of Developmental Topographical Disorientation: Comparing Self-Reported Measures with Actual Navigational Performance by Alessia Bonavita, Sofia Pepe, Raffaella Nori, Massimiliano Palmiero, Cecilia Guariglia and Laura Piccardi, published in Brain Sciences.

This article seeks to (i) evaluate the effectiveness of the Familiarity and Spatial Cognitive Style Scale (FSCS) and the short Computerized Ecological Navigational Battery (LBS) in predicting navigational performance by comparing self-reported scores with actual results; (ii) investigate the FSCS’s potential as a screening tool for Developmental Topographical Disorientation (DTD), which affects about 3% of youth, focusing on early detection; and (iii) examine gender differences in self-reported data versus real-world performance to understand how stereotypes affect self-assessment. The study involved 185 college students (125 female), aged 18–35 years, who completed the FSCS and performed navigation tasks using a new version of the LBS.

Participants’ performances were analysed using MAD-based z-scores to identify potential DTD cases, with scores below the fifth percentile flagged for further investigation. The relationship between self-reported abilities and actual performance was assessed through correlation analyses and robust linear regressions. The SOD subscale of FSCS emerged as a comprehensive predictor of navigation performance, correlating significantly with accuracy across multiple tasks. The study identified a 5.42% prevalence of DTD using FSCS criteria, aligning with previous research, while LBS identified 11.96% of participants with navigational difficulties. Gender differences were observed in Survey Knowledge and Landmark Ordering tasks, with males showing higher performances. Only two participants were flagged as DTD cases by both assessment methods, suggesting they may evaluate distinct aspects of navigational ability. The findings validate FSCS as an initial screening tool for DTD while highlighting the need for comprehensive assessment using multiple tools. The study suggests the existence of at least two distinct forms of DTD: one affecting navigational memory (detectable by both FSCS and LBS) and another impacting perceptual navigation aspects (more readily identified by LBS). These results emphasise the importance of developing a detailed DTD taxonomy and implementing personalised interventions based on specific navigational challenges.

More from the Blog

Measuring spatial navigation during locomotion in children: A systematic review
It is now online the review article: “Measuring spatial navigation during locomotion in children: A systematic review” by Nuria Martín-Pozuelo, Lidia Carballo Costa, Marina Solís-García, Marco Giancola, Laura Piccardi, Isabel De las Cuevas-Teràn, and Verònica Robles-García, published in Heliyon. This article aims to describe the role of locomotion during the assessment of spatial navigation in […]
The Verbal Judgement Task: Normative data of verbal abstract reasoning in a sample of 18- to 40-years old
It is now online the final published version of the Article "The Verbal Judgement Task: Normative data of verbal abstract reasoning in a sample of 18- to 40-years old.”by Massimiliano Palmiero, Antonella Di Vita, Alice Teghil and Laura Piccardi, published...
Working Memory in Navigational and Reaching Spaces in Typically Developing Children at Increasing School Stages
It is now online the final published version of the Article “Working Memory in Navigational and Reaching Spaces in Typically Developing Children at IncreasingSchool Stages” by Åsa Bartonek, Cecilia Guariglia and Laura Piccardi published in Children.It is ...
Scroll to Top
Skip to content