Spatial Visualization, Visual Imagery, and Mathematical Problem Solving of Students With Varying Abilities

This study investigated distribution of spatial visualization scores (Space Relations test of the Differential Aptitude Test) and mathematical problem solving scores (Mental Arithmetic Problems) obtained by 161 male and 152 female, 9th grade, white students for fit to the distributions predicted by the X-linked hypotheses of recessive inheritance of these skills. Data did not support the X-linked hypotheses. No significant sex-related differences were found between mean scores of tests of spatial visualization or mathematical problem solving.

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The Use of Spatial Visualization in Mathematics by Girls and Boys

Journal for Research in Mathematics Education ◽

10.5951/jresematheduc.16.3.0184 ◽

1985 ◽

Vol 16 (3) ◽

pp. 184-206 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Elizabeth Fennema ◽

Lindsay A. Tartre

Keyword(s):

Longitudinal Study ◽

Problem Solving ◽

Word Problems ◽

Mathematical Problem ◽

Spatial Visualization ◽

Mathematical Problem Solving ◽

Spatial Skills ◽

Correct Problem ◽

Verbal Performance

This longitudinal study investigated how girls and boys who were discrepant in their spatial and verbal performance used spatial visualization skills in solving word problems and fraction problems. The subjects, 36 girls and 33 boys, were interviewed annually in Grades 6, 7, and 8. Each student was asked to read a problem, draw a picture to help solve it, solve it, and then explain how the picture was used in the solution. Students who differed in spatial visualization skill did not differ in their ability to find correct problem solutions, but students with a higher level of spatial visualization skill tended to use spatial skills in problem solving more often than students with a lower level of skill. Girls tended to use pictures more during problem solving than boys did, but this did not enable them to get as many correct solutions. Low spatial visualization skill may be more debilitating to girls' mathematical problem solving than to boys'.

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Spatial visualization and sex-related differences in mathematical problem solving

Behavioral and Brain Sciences ◽

10.1017/s0140525x00042606 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 19 (2) ◽

pp. 262-263 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Julia A. Sherman

Keyword(s):

Nineteenth Century ◽

Problem Solving ◽

Mathematical Problem ◽

Spatial Visualization ◽

Mathematical Problem Solving ◽

Brain Laterality ◽

The 1960S ◽

Spatial Problems

AbstractSpatial visualization as a key variable in sex-related differences in mathematical problem solving and spatial aspects of geometry is traced to the 1960s. More recent relevant data are presented. The variability debate is traced to the latter part of the nineteenth century and an explanation for it is suggested. An idea is presented for further research to clarify sex-related brain laterality differences in solving spatial problems.

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