The acquisition and integration of route knowledge in an unfamiliar neighborhood.

The acquisition of neighborhood route knowledge by children of ages 9- 12 is investigated. Subjects were exposed to two routes through an unfamiliar suburban neighborhood, with five learning trials undertaken on each route. One route was acquired by actual field experience, while the other was acquired by viewing a video tape. Data support the differentiation of knowledge types and the need to engage in route navigation to proceduralize such knowledge.