Investigated differences in performance between sexes on a spatial visualization task constructing pentaminos and whether supplying clues to the learner to guide would be a factor in performance. Concluded that males were more adept at identifying the shapes than females. (YP)

Investigated were the effects of spatial training on calculus achievement, spatial visualization ability, and the use of visualization in solving problems on solids of revolution. Sex differences were found favoring women in calculus achievement and men in spatial visualization ability. (MNS)

Indicates that writing Chinese is correlated to Chinese-American (CA) students' spatial skills and investigates whether writing Chinese would have the same relationship to mathematics skills. Suggested a strong correlation between writing Chinese and success on SAT-Math. Supports the cultural relativity theory of gender difference on SAT-Math.…

Investigated was how girls and boys who were discrepant in their spatial and verbal performance used spatial visualization skills in solving word problems and fraction problems. It was concluded that low spatial visualization skill may be more debilitating to girls' mathematical problem solving than to boys'. (MNS)

The effect of direction of motion on the difficulty of slides, flips, and turns for first, third, and fifth graders was examined. The study considered only students with no training in transformation tasks. The investigation found that the sex main effect was not significant. (Author/MP)

Differential item performance (DIP) is discussed as a concept that does not necessarily imply item bias or unfairness to subgroups of examinees. With curriculum-based achievement tests, DIP is presented as a valid reflection of group differences in requisite skills and instruction. Using data from a national testing of the ACT Assessment, this…

Investigates the hypothesis that preservice teachers specializing in science and mathematics will score significantly higher on spatial ability tests than other preservice teachers. Also investigates gender-related differences in spatial ability. Contains 26 references. (DDR)

A study was conducted at the University of Maine at Orono (UMO) to examine gender differences with respect to mathematical problem-solving ability, visual spatial ability, abstract reasoning ability, field independence/dependence, independent learning style, and developmental problem-solving ability (i.e., formal reasoning ability). Subjects…

The superiority of males in mathematics achievement from grades eight through college is evident, and the following causes of sex differences in mathematics achievement are considered in the paper: spatial ability, enrollment in mathematics courses, social factors, anxiety, attitudes, and developmental differences between the sexes. Alleviating…

Investigates gender differences and the role of spatial visualization in problem solving in high school geometry. Reports that, whereas males and females differed in spatial visualization and in their performance, they did not differ in logical reasoning ability or in their use of geometric problem-solving strategies. (Author)

This issue of the journal contains abstracts and critical comments for 10 published reports on research in mathematics education. The reports concern children's school mobility and achievement, preservice teachers' sources of decisions, spatial visualization in boys and girls, rote versus conceptual emphases in teaching probability, using drawings…

Describes a mobile computer lab set up in a converted bus that is used by fourth graders as part of the math curriculum. The program, which emphasizes problem solving and spatial visualization, also addresses gender differences and in-service teacher training. The physical arrangements, including provisions for computer security, are described.…

The effect on performance of different formats for typical mathematics story problems was studied, along with the relationship of certain learner variables. More than 1200 children in grades 3-8, including over 220 learning-disabled students, were tested and/or interviewed. Story problems were in the usual format found in textbooks, an abbreviated…

Reported are two separate but related longitudinal studies of two variables strongly associated with sex-related differences in mathematics achievement and enrollment, namely spatial visualization and confidence in learning mathematics. First, boys (N=33) and girls (N=36) in grades 6-8 who were discrepant in their spatial and verbal skills were…

Several studies that were directed towards examining the influence of cognitive factors in sex-related differences in mathematics achievement are reported. Specifically, two lines of research were pursued examining: (1) the relationship between different types of visual-spatial skill and mathematics achievement, and (2) the trainability of…