Navigating Cognitive Maps: Statistical Analysis of 3D Path Data in Minecraft

Understanding spatial navigation and memory formation is critical to exploring how humans learn and adapt in complex environments. To investigate these processes, we conducted an experiment using the Minecraft Memory and Navigation Task, collecting detailed three-dimensional (3D) path data in a virtual open-world setting. Statistically, we developed a novel methodology to convert complex high-dimensional 3D movement data into functional representations, enabling standardized comparisons and analyses across participants and environments. We applied techniques such as functional clustering and regression to identify navigation patterns and their relationships with cognitive map development and memory retention. Our analysis uncovered two significant insights: first, participants who adopted moderately exploratory behaviors during training demonstrated superior retention of object locations; second, inefficient navigation strategies were strongly linked to poorer spatial memory and navigation performance. These findings highlight the effectiveness of our methodology in advancing the study of navigation behaviors and cognitive processes in dynamic 3D environments.