Representing the World in Multiple Frames of Reference

Abstract

Human beings are made up of complex features as they have a mind of their own. They also interact in a distinct environment, thereby allowing every individual to have their own identity. This diversity is also related to culture, thought patterns, perception and emotions etc. The view that the brain constructs multiple spatial representations is supported by several studies in different research fields showing that we are biologically equipped to have multiple reference frames simultaneously. Therefore, to understand a human being, various frames of references are used to have a better understanding of the picture. The multiple frames of reference could also be used in dividing the world’s components to subsections which helps in deciphering the natural character traits and learning abilities of individuals (Montello, 2001).

Introduction

Several frames of references have been formulated to study the specific aspect of the individual’s life, i.e., from farther to closer and vice versa. For example, suppose a criminal is being studied. In that case, he will be evaluated from the environmental and familial aspects as to whether or not there are problems in the environment in which he grew up in. Likewise, psychological tests are also carried out to study the criminal’s intrinsic aspects. This allows field specialists to understand the issue from a broader and smaller lens. Similar is the case with using and incorporating the multiple frames of references because every angle is different and could not be exhausted by any other one.

For instance, in the case of business people, they have competitive frames of references, which help in the grading of the type of competitor they face against their strategies. On the other hand, Physics also use different explanations of matter to develop their life’s frames of reference. Therefore, every single frame of reference that has been devised has its own exclusivity which ultimately allows the subject to be interpreted and studied in the best way possible. Spatial knowledge may be stored in many ways and in many different formats, but it is quite straightforward that the spatial characteristics of an object have to be encoded with respect to some reference frame. Commonly, reference frames can be described in terms of two broad classes: egocentric reference frames, in which objects are represented relative to the perceiver, and allocentric reference frames, in which objects are represented relative to the environment that is extrinsic to the perceiver. Both of these frames will be examined further in detail.

Allocentric Reference Frame

The allocentric frame of reference is predominantly used in the neuropsychological, neuroimaging, and behavioral sciences in order to understand the world representation better. Furthermore, the allocentric reference frame is also described as the world-centered reference frame which suggests that every aspect exists in comparison with the world (Huttenlocher & Presson 1973).

The neuropsychological evidence helps in a better understanding of the biological elements of human functioning. For example, the part of the brain that helps in gathering the information about stimuli or the neurotransmitters that are released to certain emotions are being examined extensively by neuropsychology. On the other hand, the behavioral aspects explain the aspects of behaviors which is significantly related to the neurological field, yet it is on the intangible side of psychology.

For instance, human emotions could not be seen and are being studied by using evidence-based practices in behavioral sciences. Within the field of behavioral sciences, there are many other frame of references that get used by the field experts in order to have a better understanding of the factors that seem to have been linked with the behavioral responses. These studies complement the neurological basis, yet they are distinct and very different on their own. It further helps in deciphering the human being in a more allocentric fashion which could not be made possible by using certain field areas.

The allocentric reference frame has many benefits that assist in distinguishing many perspectives of life. The neuroimaging frame helps in the creation of figures that assist individuals in relaying the different models and styles that objects exist in the world, and the reference style always provides individuals with ideas they already hold in mind (Snyder, Batista & Andersen, 1997). The neuroimaging aspect of the allocentric reference frame is essential in the derivation of the relationship between existing items and the world. The allocentric reference framework is also an object-centered spatial aspect, and it focuses mainly on creating representation and replication of the visible aspects that people understand easily.

The neuropsychology aspect of allocentric reference, on the hand, has the benefit of helping people gain knowledge on objects by creating psychological ideas and understanding in their minds, thus increasing the ease of differentiating between objects. The allocentric reference utilizes this aspect to improve individuals’ ability to find the variation in objects that exist in their perception rather than the true nature of existence if the objects (Duhamel, Colby & Goldberg, 2020). One of the most important aspects of this frame of reference is the fact that the objects are represented relative to the environment that is extrinsic to the perceiver.

The case of understanding another culture is also imperative to this concept because some cultural practices might come out as intense to the perceiver. Therefore, it is crucial for the individual who is striving to understand a new culture to understand it more closely and more relative to the local individuals rather than judging them.

In this case of an object-centered reference frame, the object exists more in the mentalities of individuals than the reality that other people understand. The neuropsychological aspect of allocentric reference frames has the benefit of assisting individuals in finding the uniqueness of objects when used in comparison or explanation.

The allocentric reference frame possesses many important aspects that help in the understanding and organization of the components that construct the world. Apart from the behavioral, neuroimaging, and neuropsychological aspects, this type of reference frame possesses other methods of portraying an object that exists in the world and this makes it important in other utilities. Also, the allocentric reference helps in the sorting of individuals, especially in acting, whereby the directors utilize this frame to allocate the available individuals roles (Driver & Mattingley, 1998). The aspects also apply to act whereby individuals can predict the next move of a colleague through his or her behavior.

Egocentric Reference Frame

Navigation is one of the most important activities for human beings in daily routine life, and it is also central to their existence. Optimizing the conditions that enhance this ability is part of the core priorities of spatial cognition. Moreover, supporting elements for the navigation process relies on information relay and receipt depending on the location of an individual’s body and their perspective (Halligan & Driver, 1991). Other supporting conditions include the surrounding components within their environment, provided by the environment as a whole, including its location in consideration to the world-based frame and the cardinal points (Filimon, 2015). The conditions are dependent on the individual such that the most crucial part relies on their abilities and individual preferences and approach towards the same environment.

In achieving a visual target within a naturalistic environment, the human body utilizes either relative is absolute spatial information towards the planning process. The egocentric reference frame is one of the two classes necessary in formalizing the planning process. The egocentric reference frame is oftentimes relative to the perceiver which makes it different than the approach that has been examined earlier in the text. An individual’s ability to choose a robust reference point is significant to the definition of imminent spatial relations in existence between the individual for them to represent the environment (Carol, Jean-Rene & Michael, 1993).

The egocentric frame of reference is mainly concerned with the determination of the location of an object in comparison to the individual’s location. As such, egocentric representations are fundamental to an individual’s ability to control movement in the sense that they avoid getting in contact with obstacles or objects in their way. When a person seeks insight from the navigation concept through an exploration of movement along a path or an environment, spatial perceptions are the result of a leaner’s initial view. “The first perspective alignment effect” is the primary determinant in the orientation as in the case of first travel, thereby making it imperative to be examined.

The initial view is fundamental in developing orientations that form representations of our environments. Navigation in irregular paths such as those that take different directions calls for the incorporation of multiple local views in an individual’s representation. In summary, our ability to navigate the environment relies on encoding spatial information from our perceptions (Ware & Plumlee, 2002). One point that ought to be highlighted here is the fact that this frame of reference could be more subjective in nature owing to the needs of a person. The representations within a person’s memories are primarily composed of egocentric information if the path taken has a regular pattern and displays consistency with the surrounding features and environmental layout.

Navigation through space is a process that requires the involvement and analysis of sensory information. This movement is a complex process that facilitates everyday life despite human nature, taking it for granted. For example, a person’s navigation might be motivated or ignited by certain emotive responses, thereby making it more subjective and personal in nature. Navigation takes place through an interplay of motor and sensory systems that coordinate to facilitate movement (Joshua, Hatfield, Musgrave & Thompson, 2015).

Signals coming from the multiple senses need coordination to a unified framework in the human body. The visual, tactile, and auditory signals require identification and differentiation in the navigation process and avoidance of obstacles (Bremmer, 2005). The egocentric framework of reference is important in the successful remembrance of locations, landmarks, and objects within the surroundings. It is an enabler in receiving and decoding signals that become essential in navigating the environment. Therefore, it could be implied here that this is one of the most important references that ought to be understood from a closer lens.

As one ages, several aspects impact their vigor and strength. Most importantly is their spatial memory and navigation are concepts that display significant decline due to changes in their neurobiological and general well being. This greatly affects their cognitive functioning and slows down their memory. Similarly, the egocentric frame of reference is instrumental in infant development as their brains develop (Zadravec, Basic & Hribersek, 2007). It enables them to become aware of their surrounding as they develop motor abilities. Both the egocentric and allocentric frames of reference play a crucial part that requires an integration of the two concepts in daily routine. One has to develop the ability to shift between the two.

Stable Reference Frame

A frame of reference is defined as a set of coordinates used to determine an object’s position and velocity in a frame relative to a different one. A frame of reference serves the purpose of defining the time zones and coordinates of other world regions. However, multiple frame references are used to represent separate regions around the globe (Zweibelson, Martin & Paparone, 2020). This concept has been in use for decades now because of various advantages, such as allowing users to view several documents in one web page. Through these, users save a lot of time and get the information they require quickly.

Besides having all their documents in one place, it prevents malicious attacks besides ensuring safety. Moreover, it enables one to explore the world, and multiple frames allow people to travel and navigate coordinates on the location they wish to visit.

It provides a sense of security to users when they know where they are going and how to get there. The coordinates provided are in terms of Google maps (Bremmer, 2005) in which the individual could make sense of their track and the pathway that they need to follow. For instance, when there are organizations hosting parties and conferences (Leung et al., 2018). The users send invites to their clients and friend who survey the party’s location. They provide a sense of security to the people as they can survey the place. People also get new friends from online platforms such as Facebook, Instagram. When meeting, they send their location to new friends so they can quickly get to them.

Moreover, it is a means of survival, and some individuals earn income by creating frames. They provide coordinate on precise locations such as planes, ships, and vehicles. Solders also survive by use of frames when going to war. People search for the hostels, restaurants when they hear about new places with good food and choose the one that they like the most. Therefore, this frame of reference is also used to identify locations of stores and how to reach them. Multiple frames have made the world a better place through quick access to resources (“Naif”, 2020).

Simultaneously, heliocentric frames represent coordinates of locations concerning objects without considering the individuals’ views (McGuire & Sabes, 2009). The benefit is that one can quickly get its novel points from the start location. It is because of their flexibility, and the external cues are the same.

Unstable Reference Frame

There are two dominant reference frames, i.e., stable and unstable frames. A stable frame is a structure that can resist any movement when subjected to a force. If a frame is in addition to a load and it does not move, it becomes stable. The ability to maintain its geometrical shape against forces is stability. A structure undergoes approval as stable if it satisfies a specific condition. That is, it should have enough reactions to withstand weight without movement. Stability in stable frames does not depend on the weight load rather than how the load undergoes arrangement (“Naif”, 2020). It could have the description ability to gain back the equilibrium or any change whosoever. It is why no matter the number or size of the weight being applied; the frame or structure remains stable without moving. Hence the concept that instability structures, the load does not account for anything.

In determining whether a structure is stable, there three approaches that come in hand. The bifurcation approach determines stability by solving bulking. An individual first write down the equilibrium used to identify the beginning of bulking. This approach thought works to systems that have no imperfections. Another approach uses energy from the system. The energy is thus useable in evaluating equilibrium and stability (Garbe, Mallows & Valtin, 2016).

Additionally, there is also the approach of writing the system’s dynamic equilibrium and evaluating the equation to determine stability. There are examples of stable frames like a bridge. If the frame or structure cannot withstand external forces, it will fail in designs or damages that are more significant. Thus, frames need to withstand moving when added a load.

Unstable frames, however, are frames that cannot withstand movements. The ability is a frame or structure not to withstand deviations of a load, thus causing more significant movements, has the title instability. These frames usually do not have enough reactions to overcome the load with much movement (Carol, Jean-Rene & Michael, 1993). Even after the movement, the structure does not return to its original position. For example, when the load undergoes distribution by force, it moves from its original place. Due to this, the load disabled its equilibrium, and hence it continues moving away from its former position.

There are specific forces that unstable frame goes through to make it unstable. One of them is bulking, whereby they undergo deformation. It often occurs when these frames are under significant influence of gravity. Another force could be due to substantial movements or inelasticity. This happens when the frame becomes subject to both gravities as well as loads. It causes unnecessary movement, thus causing instability. When a structure is unstable, it becomes incapable of meeting the geometrical requirements or shape, causing it to lose resist ability, leading to damages. It could majorly occur in larger structures such as bridges, which may collapse (Huttenlocher & Presson, 1973). In instability, the stiffness of the system reduces as the load is increased.

Conclusion

The use of multiple reference frames in the world has allowed individuals to make sense of the world on both personal and collective levels. This is because the frames make the work of understanding and interpreting many ideas easier and more applicable. The different reference frames offer varied understandings and perceptions to the people, which is important in the development of several projects. The use of each reference frame serves a unique purpose depending on the setup and conditions that trigger its use and application, thereby making them fundamental to human existence.

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