Mental rotations, gender, and experience

Researchers have been exploring gender differences in cognitive abilities for many years. There are some areas that show a strong advantage for males and other areas where females display superiority. Spatial ability, particularly mental rotations, is one area in which males have scored significantly higher than females. This study explores the socialization process as a possible explanation for the consistent gender difference in performance on mental rotations tasks. In addition to analyzing gender differences, the role of previous experience associated with the development of spatial skill was explored. Two measures were used, the Shepard-Metzler Mental Rotations Test (MRT), and a questionnaire specifically designed to measure previous experience with activities associated with the development of spatial ability. A training tool, designed by the experimenter, was utilized to provide training and instruction in spatial activity for one group. Four hypotheses were tested: (a) males would score significantly higher on a test that measures mental rotation, (b) males would have significantly higher prior experience with activities associated with the development of spatial skills than females, (c) females with higher prior experience with activities associated the development of spatial skills would score significantly higher than females with less prior experience, and (d) females receiving practice and instruction would score higher than females who did not receive practice and instruction. Each hypothesis was tested using a t-test for independent samples. Group differences were not found in any of the comparisons except the first, which provided a statistically significant difference. Males out-performed females in all groups regardless of practice and instruction.