Final answer:
The student will likely describe the path to his dorm room by walking through a mental image of the path and using a cognitive map to provide directions. This method uses both spatial relationships and landmarks to give clear and memorable instructions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student will most likely describe the path to his dorm room by choosing to walk through a mental image of the path and describe it as he does it, which aligns with option C. This approach is based on the concept of a cognitive map, a term introduced by psychologist Edward Tolman and further explored by psychologists like Laura Carlson. Cognitive maps are internal representations of our physical surroundings, which we use to navigate in the world. These maps include not only spatial information about distances and directions but also distinctive landmarks or features that help remember and communicate the way. For example, telling someone to turn left at the large fountain or to pass by the statue provides anchor points that can make directions clearer and easier to follow.
In the context of the question, while a rote list of directions, a GPS location, or a drawn map could all serve as ways to communicate the location of the dorm, these methods are less likely because they do not utilize the natural human ability to recall spatial relationships and describe routes as experienced. When describing a location such as a dorm room, people often use a mix of distance, direction, and reference points—emphasizing both the sequential path (left, right, upstairs) and noteworthy landmarks—to help guide the listener effectively.