Examined whether variations in performance of (n=396) engineering students on a measure of spatial visualization were related to prior spatial experiences and to the developmental period when the prior experiences occurred. One finding revealed nonacademic activities seemed to have the most positive significant relationship to spatial…

This quantitative study of imagery in 96 undergraduates addresses the problem of individual differences in the characteristics of mental imagery workspaces. A 20-item questionnaire embodying nine characteristics of mental imagery workspaces was administered to 78 females and 18 males. Analysis of variance by gender disclosed significant higher…

Sex differences in speed of solving mental rotation problems were replicated but college men and women were alike in frequency of use of algorithms to solve problems. The most frequent algorithm involved encoding stimuli in working memory, mental rotation of one to orientation of the other, comparison, and response. (Author/RD)

Two spatial visualization tests were administered to 142 students before and after two years of college study. Students majoring in the humanities and social sciences improved less than those majoring in mathematics and the physical sciences. Female physical science majors improved more than male physical science majors. (Author/RD)

Finds significant differences for males and females on the "Mental Rotation Test" within and across trials, but does not show a differential response to training and practice by females, as was hypothesized. (RL)

Investigated a set of photographs taken of each subject and self-rated for extent to which each resembled their imagined prototype of "real-self." The findings support the hypothesis of the availability of a memory image schema--the self functions as a cognitive prototype with imaginal and verbal characteristics. (Author/RC)

Sex differences in spatial visualization ability accounted for sex differences in mathematical ability for a group of college students. With spatial visualization statistically controlled, no significant sex differences in Quantitative Scholastic Aptitude Test scores were found. Males were more predictable than females due to higher spatial…

Some data on sex and handedness in relation to academic predictors and success in architectural education were reexamined. The new variable was the notion of visual thinking, measured by the manner, "visually" or "cognitively," of executing a simple line drawing. As expected, significant differences appeared between persons using these modes.…

Three-dimensional visualization skills are critically important to success in engineering careers. Unfortunately, studies have shown that the 3-D spatial visualization skills of women engineering students lag significantly behind those of their male counterparts. This paper examines gender differences in background and in visualization ability for…

Two correlational investigations attempted to establish the construct validity of the dimensions assessed by the Inventory of Learning Processes scales. The scales are Synthesis-Analysis; Study Methods; Fact Retention; and Elaborative Processing. A number of cognitive tests were also administered. (MH)

Investigated gender differences in the spatial abilities of mental rotation, spatial visualization, spatial perception, and relationships between spatial abilities and spatial activity participation in 161 Norwegian technology students and 293 social science students. Implications of results for occupational performance are discussed. (SLD)

Four factors have been reported in the literature as being related to spatial test performance. This study investigated the main and interaction effects of sex, handedness, birth order, and experience on three different types of spatial performance; surface development, object rotation, and coordination of viewpoints. A total of 217 undergraduate…

A study designed to investigate the relationship between spatial ability and selected social and emotional variables is presented. With the total sample of students in a freshman psychology course, and with the 48 females and 45 males separately, the relationship was investigated between spatial ability and participation in, and enjoyment of,…

Meta-analysis techniques were used to summarize the results concerning gender differences reported in doctoral dissertations on visual spatial skills. Dissertations were chosen because they are not subject to the selection process of journals, which may bias results toward large effects. An analysis of 150 independent data points in 43…

This study examined the level of realism inherent in videotape and computer graphics display systems by comparing the ability of third graders, middle schoolers, and university students to estimate end states of visual transformations of spatial tasks. Their preferences for working with videotaped or computer-generated materials are also…