cognitive map theory

Cognitive map theory suggests that our brains create mental representations of the environment, enabling us to navigate and understand spatial relationships without relying solely on visual cues. These mental maps help us remember locations, plan routes, and recognize familiar places by organizing spatial information internally. Essentially, our brain constructs an internal blueprint of the world around us, allowing us to move through and interact with our environment efficiently, even in unfamiliar settings. This theory highlights the importance of spatial memory and the brain regions involved in navigation, such as the hippocampus.