Abstract
Perceptual processes involved in spatial layout representation have been shown to affect memory for scenes. This effect, called boundary extension, is manifest in that viewers remember more of the scene's expanse than was actually presented. In prior research more extension was obtained for close-ups than for wide-angle views. However, object size and location were always confounded (e.g., close-ups depicted closer objects with larger retinal images). This study examined the relative effects of object size and location in depth, using drawings of abstract scenes. In a recognition test, more extension was obtained for scenes depicting larger objects than smaller objects, independent of location. Moreover, more extension was obtained for scenes depicting closer objects than farther objects, independent of size. The results showed that the spatial extrapolation process is sensitive to multiple dimentions of the scene. They suggest that the extrapolation is operating on the 3D ground surface of the scene and not only on the 2D view/picture plane.