Berthoz, Alain
Theories and paradigms for the study of spatial development and relationships between the self and the other
- 2021.
92
I have suggested a new theory according to which visual-spatial deficits involving the manipulation of several spatial reference frames are crucial components of disorder in orientation, manipulation, locomotion, navigation, and even social interactions in various psychiatric populations. This text very briefly summarizes some basic knowledge about the brain networks involved in spatial memory and cognition. I present several potential paradigms for studying specific deficits. I first consider the use of vestibular signals for the egocentric spatial orientation in children with the “turning plateau” paradigm and the “locomotor trajectory” paradigm to study gaze anticipation, which is part of the anticipatory mechanisms of action, and the perceptual components of walking. I then move on to describe new paradigms for the study of cognitive navigation and spatial memory strategies. Finally, I present the “Double Mirror”™ paradigm, used for the study of perspective change and then for the study of self- and other-image.