In a study of way-finding strategies, female college students (n=288) were more likely to report using a route strategy (using instructions about routes), whereas men (n=138) were more likely to report an orientation strategy (using a sense of their own positions in relation to reference points). (SLD)

Three experiments examined infants' perceptions of their own leg movements as presented to them via online video that varied the spatial orientation and directionality of movement. The infants looked significantly longer and generated significantly more leg activity while looking at the view displaying a left-right inversion than while looking at…

Examined the longitudinal predictability of spatial ability in late-adolescent females. No timing of puberty or lateralization effects were observed. These findings strengthen evidence that sex-related differences in spatial ability could be experientially determined and may help to focus the search for exactly how this occurs. (Author/GLR)

Investigated the effect of computer programs that require the use of spatial skills on third and fourth graders' spatial ability. Students who used a software program that required rotation of objects scored better than other students on a measure of figural classification, but not on a measure of object rotation. (BC)

New developments for solving the validation problem are applied to measuring and validating spatial modifiability. Results from 582 Air Force recruits support construct and criterion-related validities for the cognitive modifiability of spatial visualization items. Results also support modifiability as a direct measurement of learning ability.…

Comparison of the mental rotation skill of mathematically talented male (n=152) and female (n=143) high school juniors under both timed and extended time conditions showed higher performance by males under both conditions, but the male advantage decreased substantially when the effect of time was minimized. (Author/DB)

In 2 studies, subjects between 7 and 16 years of age indicated predictions for the water level in a tilted container or the position of a plumb line. Found that sex differences were evident at all ages; task performance improved with age according to a discrete stage process; and task performance was determined by field effects and rule strategy.…

Presents activities using interpretation of visual clues and making decisions on the basis of those clues. Students in grades 2-4 use pictures of Native American tribal clothing. Students in grades 5 and 6 can practice determining scale and proportion as they make scale drawings. Includes reproducible student worksheets. (MKR)

Describes activities to be used with fifth and sixth graders to improve students' spatial sense with respect to three-dimensional shapes. Includes the use of cubes, triangular prisms, tetrahedrons, and square pyramids. (MKR)

A model of category effects found in reports of episodic memory is proposed. The model holds that stimuli are presented at a fine-grain level of detail and a category. Four experiments involving a total of 131 University of Chicago (Illinois) students and faculty are reported in support of the model. (SLD)

Examines how high school students use diagrams and summaries during reading and the roles of verbal and spatial ability. Finds a significant direct effect of verbal ability on the recall but no effect of spatial ability on recall. Finds more inspections of diagrams in the first few sentences followed by a random inspection pattern. Discusses…

The SPATIAL model (satisfaction, perception, achievement, transcendent/immanent attributes, authority, layout) posits that (1) individual perception of space affects satisfaction, participation, and achievement; (2) certain aspects of a space are subjective or beyond physical attributes; and (3) authority and layout are external and can be…

The reaction times, movement times, and final accuracy of hand movements of 6, 8, and 10 year olds that were directed toward visual goals were measured by means of tasks in which direction and amplitude components of movement were required. (RH)

Investigates the difference between children's drawings from two- and three-dimensional models, specifically, the influence of color and line, the difference between multicolor and monochrome material, and gender differences. Finds that children's drawings present detailed information about the subject first, then simple proportions, and finally…

Presents interesting activities to develop mental imagery and the ability to transform these images. Concludes that using images facilitates mathematical thought in numerical and geometric settings. (ASK)