Dr. Weining Shen, Associate Professor of Statistics at University of California, Irvine, will be speaking about "Statistical Analysis of 3D Path Data in Minecraft" on Wednesday, November 18th, 2026 from 3:30 - 4:30pm in HSSB 1173.
Abstract:
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 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.
Bio:
Weining Shen is Associate Professor of Statistics at University of California, Irvine. His research interests include Bayesian methods, machine learning, high-dimensional models, and applications in LLM, neuroscience, biology, sports analytics, and education assessment. He is an associate editor for a few statistical journals including JASA, AoAS, and Statistica Sinica.