ABSTRACT
Recipients of spatial descriptions have to draw on conceptual knowledge to arrive at integrated semantic interpretations. Conceptual knowledge helps in choosing the adequate interpretation. The computational requirements of an integrated interpretation of spatial descriptions are better met by analog representations than by propositional representations. Therefore, recipients of spatial descriptions who have to verify spatial expressions against an integrated representation of spatial descriptions are expected to construct a mental model of the described spatial layout in addition to a propositional representation. The construction of an integrated spatial mental model requires effort. Thus, it is expected that if verification tasks can be solved rule-based, recipients will do so. Analog mental models are sometimes necessary as integrated representations of the described spatial layout. Their construction requires effort. If a propositional representation is sufficient as for rule-based verification tasks in the present experiment, the construction of mental models is avoided.
