Reading the elements of cognitive maps in the perception of different age groups of tourists Case Study: Downtown Street and Tabari

Cognitive maps are as representations of one's perception of the environment and are important or unconscious in the travel itinerary of tourists. The formation of cognitive maps of tourists with different structure in different age groups is due to their different perceptions and expectations of the environment. The purpose of this study was to analyze the constitutive elements of cognitive maps of tourists in different age groups. The research method is applied according to the purpose of the research and is of survey nature. Data collection was done using field methods, questionnaire, observation and cognitive mapping technique. Information has been analyzed through the compilation of cognitive maps of tourists of different age groups and comparative comparisons of their similarities and perceptual differences. The statistical sample was calculated using Cochran formula of 357 people and by using systematic sampling among tourists target group, the questionnaire of Cognitive Drawing Cognitive Mapping Questionnaire was completed in down street and Tabari districts of Mashhad. The results indicate that different age groups from young to old have different perceptions of the environment and their cognitive maps, mental representations, and journey planning are different. The 20- to 30-year-olds are very capable of identifying directions and using a navigation strategy to determine the route. The age group of 30 to 50 years has difficulty identifying distances, the pattern of their journeys being multipurpose and coherent around a given location. The 50- to 65-year-olds are mature, but due to age, they have difficulty identifying directions, traveling from a single-destination circular strategy to ensuring the correct route is determined, and a multi-destination and co-ordinating circular travel pattern in the age group of 65 and over. Around a place.