Discussion: new book "You Are Here" on sense of direction

this was broadcasted this morning on NPR (National Public Radio):

Getting Lost Is Totally Human. Try It [6 min 18 sec]

Interview with new book author: Colin Ellard "You Are Here: Why We Can Find Our Way to the Moon, but Get Lost in the Mall"

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?story...

I heard it as well -- I wish the author had offered more scientific explanations and less anecdotal evidence (who cares what his wife does?), but I guess that doesn't make good radio. :-/ I'm hoping the book will be interesting, though.

I heard some of it and really wanted to interject with, "everyone listening should try orienteering!"

Wow, I heard this on the radio this morning, too. Sure enough, by the time I alert AP, I'm just the 4th person in line...

I suspect that among the general female population, they're right about using landmarks instead of cardinal directions (or even maps). I've noted this among women I know or have encountered. Those of us women who love orienteering, though, are above average in the spatial perception thing relative to the general population, I think. The education system only works up to a point--if you don't "get it" you won't learn it.

In any case, generalizations and stereotypes (as noted in the comments to the article linked above) are not usually helpful.

Thanks for the link!