The cognitive map in humans: Spatial navigation and beyond

cognitive psychology focused largely on internal representations, like beliefs, desires, and goals.

Humans think using mental models. These are representations of reality that make the world comprehensible. They allow us to see patterns, predict how things will unfold, and make sense of the circumstances we encounter.

A region of your prefrontal cortex called the medial prefrontal cortex holds a map of your social networks.10

there is a common cortical basis for spatial cognition and social cognition. That friend who is ‘close’ to you, even if they live on the other side of the world, is being mapped by the same part of the brain that has determined you are ‘close’ to the screen you are using to read this essay.