spatial discrimination

n. The ability to make decisions about spatial information within one's environment. It involves the ability to differentiate between two or more locations within space using either egocentric or allocentric spatial information. Discrimination using egocentric information uses body position while discrimination using allocentric information bases the decision on external landmarks. Spatial discrimination tasks are used to study spatial memory, spatial abilities, the role of the hippocampus, and general cognitive functioning. For example, a spatial discrimination task may involve rats learning which arm of a multiple-armed maze will have food on the basis of the spatial organization of the arms. – MRO, ARS