Dr. Temple Grandin is a professor of animal sciences at Colorado State University where she conducts research and teaches courses on livestock handling and facility design. She is also a past member of the board of directors of the Autism Society of America. She lectures to parents and teachers throughout the United States on her experiences with…

Recent results from Vo and Wolfe (2012b) suggest that the application of memory to visual search may be task specific: Previous experience searching for an object facilitated later search for that object, but object information acquired during a different task did not appear to transfer to search. The latter inference depended on evidence that a…

Cognitive science research shows that the brain has two systems for processing visual information, one specialized for spatial information such as position, orientation, and trajectory, and the other specialized for information used to identify objects, such as color, shape and texture. Some individuals seem to be more facile with the spatial…

P. J. Kellman, P. Garrigan, and T. F. Shipley's theory of 3-dimensional object interpolation asserts that existing data, as well as logical considerations, support the view that an identical contour interpolation process underlies the interpolation of partially camouflaged and partially occluded objects (modal completion and amodal completion,…

P. J. Kellman, P. Garrigan, & T. F. Shipley presented a theory of 3-D interpolation in object perception. Along with results from many researchers, this work supports an emerging picture of how the visual system connects separate visible fragments to form objects. In his commentary, B. L. Anderson challenges parts of that view, especially the idea…

The effectiveness of testing instruments for field dependence-independence in spatial-visual ability in children is questioned, since they may not measure the same dimensions as those for older children and adults. The effects of training on performance of spatial-visual tasks are discussed, with a warning to monitor training programs carefully.…

As the viewer watches the opening credits for the program "Entertainment Tonight," the screen comes to life with rotating shapes and spinning geometric patterns. One has the sense of travelling on an imaginary voyage through space. Many of the computer generated displays common now on television use such visual devices as linear perspective,…

Two authors introduce the topic of visualization in mathematics education. Fourteen articles are briefly described. (YP)

Highlights the need to reinvigorate chemistry education by means of the visual-spatial approach, an approach wholly in conformance with the way modern chemistry is thought about and practiced. Discusses the changing world, multiple intelligences, imagery, chemistry's pictorial language, and perceptions in chemistry. Presents suggestions on how to…

Because the absence of spatial activities in contemporary textbooks seemingly relegates visual imagery to a nonessential status, this discussion highlights the indispensable role of visual imagery within applied school mathematics learning activities. Included are examples of when imagery is used within students' daily applications and suggestions…

It has been 20 years since Bever's (1982) and Strauss and Stavy's (1982) books on U-shaped functions in human development were published. The three target articles in this issue describe several old and new U-shaped functions and new theoretical explanations for their existence. In this article, the authors will comment on two aspects of U-shaped…

Conclusions derived from drawing research indicate that young children can be trained to see and respond to the distinctions of their observation and that these distinctions can enrich their drawing experiences. These distinctions include spatial information obtained from observation. Three basic factors influence young children's spatial…

Visualization as a factor of intelligence includes the mental manipulation of spatial configurations and has been associated with spatial abilities, creative thinking, and conceptual problem solving. There are numerous reports of scientists and mathematicians using visualization to anticipate transformation of the external world. Artists and…

Discussion of the educational system for black children in South Africa focuses on a project that was developed to teach map skills to elementary students. Topics addressed include unqualified teachers and the need for teacher training; producing affordable instructional materials; and spatial and visual perception skills. (Contains 12…