Hiding and Searching Behaviours in a 2D environment

Abstract

There are many times in our lives when we have to hide something to try and prevent others from finding it (e.g., presents) or search for something another person has hidden (e.g., special treats). While both tasks depend heavily on spatial memory, each engages unique cognitive processes and strategies. Past research has shown that environmental features, such as distance from an entryway, or proximity to a window, influence hiding and searching behaviour. However, it is unknown how social factors, such as whether the hider/searcher is a friend or a foe, might influence such behaviours. This study aims to address this question by presenting participants with different vignette scenarios that position participants to be hiding/searching for objects in a friend-based (vs. a foe-based) relationship. Furthermore, looking at how personality can play a role in hiding/searching behaviours (e.g., participants higher in extroversion vs. those lower). Also, the amount of prior video game experience can influence hiding and searching behaviour in a 2D virtual task. More research must be done on how humans hide and search for objects. This research will be necessary for understanding individuals hiding and searching patterns in these varying factors and to help in day-to-day tasks that involve searching/hiding objects.

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Eric Legge