Development of spatial ability extra tasks (SAET): problem solving with spatial intelligence

Spatial ability contributes to performance in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Spatial skills and creativity are required for engineering studies. Low spatial abilities can lead to the dropout of students’ university studies. In this study the Spatial Ability Extra Tasks (SAET) was developed to evaluate engineering students’ complex spatial abilities. A total of 93 first-year engineering students from University of Debrecen Faculty of Engineering and Sharif University of Technology in Tehran participated, with regard to final mathematical exam and their gender, participated in the study. SAET measures parts of spatial abilities: mental cutting and mental rotation and creativity. Analysis of the findings suggested that SAET is valid and reliable. The separate tests results have been statistically evaluated and conclusions were formulated. We used Structural Equation Modeling analysis. We separate two types of tasks by SAET which are Polyhedron part and Curved Surface part. According to obtained data, accomplished the results: students of University of Debrecen are more successful at Curved Surfaces. In addition students of Sharif University are more successful at Polyhedrons. The square cross section was found by most student in both countries in Polyhedrons. It is remarkable that first-year engineering students of Tehran are more successful at Polyhedrons by pentagon, hexagon and parallelogram solution; and students of Debrecen are more successful by square and rectangle solution. Students of Debrecen are more successful at Curved Surfaces to find circle solution of cylinder, cone and sphere; students of Tehran are more successful by finding parabola solution of cone.

The role of the KIBRA and APOE genes in developing spatial abilities in humans

In the contemporary high-tech society, spatial abilities predict individual life and professional success, especially in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines. According to neurobiological hypotheses, individual differences in cognitive abilities may be attributed to the functioning of genes involved in the regulation of neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity. In addition, genome-wide association studies identified rs17070145 located in the KIBRA gene, which was associated with individual differences in episodic memory. Considering a significant role of genetic and environmental components in cognitive functioning, the present study aimed to estimate the main effect of NGF (rs6330), NRXN1 (rs1045881, rs4971648), KIBRA (rs17070145), NRG1 (rs6994992), BDNF (rs6265), GRIN2B (rs3764030), APOE (rs7412, rs429358), and SNAP25 (rs363050) gene polymorphisms and to assess the effect of gene-environment interactions on individual differences in spatial ability in individuals without cognitive decline aged 18–25 years (N = 1011, 80 % women). Spatial abilities were measured using a battery of cognitive tests including the assessment of “3D shape rotation” (mental rotation). Multiple regression analysis, which was carried out in the total sample controlling for sex, ethnicity and the presence of the “risk” APOE ε4 allele, demonstrated the association of the rs17070145 Т-allele in the KIBRA gene with enhanced spatial ability (β = 1.32; pFDR = 0.037) compared to carriers of the rs17070145 CC-genotype. The analysis of gene-environment interactions revealed that nicotine smoking (β = 3.74; p = 0.010) and urban/rural residency in childhood (β = –6.94; p = 0.0002) modulated the association of KIBRA rs17070145 and АРОЕ (rs7412, rs429358) gene variants with individual differences in mental rotation, respectively. The data obtained confirm the effect of the KIBRA rs17070145 Т-allele on improved cognitive functioning and for the first time evidence the association of the mentioned genetic variant with spatial abilities in humans. A “protective” effect of the APOE ε2 allele on enhanced cognitive functioning is observed only under certain conditions related to childhood rearing.

Sleep Polygenic Risk Score Is Associated with Cognitive Changes over Time

Sleep problems have been associated with cognition, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Specific genes have been also associated with both sleep regulation and cognition. In a large group of older non-demented adults, we aimed to (a) validate the association between Sleep Polygenic Risk Score (Sleep PRS) and self-reported sleep duration, and (b) examine the association between Sleep PRS and cognitive changes in a three-year follow-up. Participants were drawn from the Hellenic Longitudinal Investigation of Aging and Diet (HELIAD). A structured, in-person interview, consisting of a medical history report and physical examination, was conducted for each participant during each of the visits (baseline and first follow-up). In total, 1376 participants were included, having all demographic, genetic, and cognitive data, out of which, 688 had at least one follow-up visit. In addition, an extensive neuropsychological assessment examining five cognitive domains (memory, visuo-spatial ability, attention/speed of processing, executive function, and language) was administered. A PRS for sleep duration was created based on previously published, genome-wide association study meta-analysis results. In order to assess the relationship between the Sleep PRS and the rate of cognitive change, we used generalized estimating equations analyses. Age, sex, education, ApolipoproteinE-ε4 genotype status, and specific principal components were used as covariates. On a further analysis, sleep medication was used as a further covariate. Results validated the association between Sleep PRS and self-reported sleep duration (B = 1.173, E-6, p = 0.001). Further, in the longitudinal analyses, significant associations were indicated between increased Sleep PRS and decreased visuo-spatial ability trajectories, in both the unadjusted (B = −1305.220, p = 0.018) and the adjusted for the covariates model (B = −1273.59, p = 0.031). Similarly, after adding sleep medication as a covariate (B = −1372.46, p = 0.019), none of the associations between Sleep PRS and the remaining cognitive domains were significant. PRS indicating longer sleep duration was associated with differential rates of cognitive decline over time in a group of non-demented older adults. Common genetic variants may influence the association between sleep duration and healthy aging/cognitive health.

PROFILE OF STUDENTS' SPATIAL ABILITY IN SOLVING GEOMETRY PROBLEMS IN TERMS OF DAVID KEIRSEY'S PERSONALITY TYPES

This study aims to describe the ability of spatial geometry of class XI MIPA 1 SMA Negeri 2 Jember in terms of David Keirsey's personality type. Spatial ability in this study is the ability to understand the world of space based on elements of spatial abilities which include: spatial perception, mental rotation, and spatial visualization. This type of research is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach. The data collection method in this research is questionnaire, spatial test, and interview. Then, based on the results of the test and interview analysis, it was found that the Guardian students could fulfill all spatial indicators. Artisan students in imagining and rotating spaces can think quickly and answer questions correctly, compared to guardian and idealistic students. Idealistic students in the ability to see the surface of the unit cubic structure more than the point of view (from the front, right side, and top) cannot describe it precisely. Meanwhile, rational students on the mental rotation element for the first indicator are still unable to rotate a spatial shape and can imagine the rotation or rotation of a spatial shape accurately.

How 2.5D Maps Design Improve the Wayfinding Performance and Spatial Ability of Map Users

Useful information can be provided by 2.5D maps that can take advantage of the additional dimension. However, aside from stereoscopic landmarks, optimal methods for presenting other essential information is unclear. Two experiments were conducted to explore how the presentation of 2.5D maps can effectively increase wayfinding performance. First, analysis was performed to understand the effects of 2.5D maps on wayfinding behavior and map reading. Then, a 2.5D map design was proposed and verified to optimize the 2.5D map presentation of urban environments. The results showed that compared with users of low view angle maps, those using high view angle maps orientated more easily with elements of the map during wayfinding tasks. High view angle maps allowed superior performance, and including transparency and lines improved wayfinding performance. The participants using maps that were opaque and with lines exhibited the most confusion and hesitation. The participants who used maps that were transparent and had lines exhibited the least confusion and hesitation. Highlighting buildings at intersections can help map users use the intersections as references and increase their intuitive spatial ability.

ANALISIS KEMAMPUAN SPASIAL MATEMATIS DITINJAU DARI PERBEDAAN GENDER SISWA KELAS VIII

ABSTRAKPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan kemampuan spasial matematis siswa yang ditinjau berdasarkan perbedaan gender pada pelajaran matematika Pokok Bahasan Bangun Ruang Sisi Datar kelas VIII. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah siswa kelas VIII SMP Negeri 2 Praya. Subjek penelitian ini adalah 4 orang siswa dari 27 siswa kelas VIII dengan ketentuan 2 subjek bergender laki-laki dan 2 subjek bergender perempuan yang memiliki kemampuan spasial matematis tertinggi dari semua siswa. Instrumen yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah tes kemampuan spasial matematis dan wawancara. Teknis analisis data dilakukan dengan cara mereduksi data, menyajikan data, dan menarik kesimpulan. Pengecekan keabsahan data menggunakan triangulasi teknik. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pada kemampuan spasial visualization subjek laki-laki dan subjek perempuan memiliki kemampuan yang sama ditunjukkan dari kemampuan dalam menentukan komposisi suatu objek setelah dimanipulasi posisi dan bentuknya. Sedangkan dalam menyelesakan masalah yang terkait dengan spatial orientation dan spatial relation subjek laki-laki lebih dominan menggunakan kemampuan spasialnya dibandingkan subjek perempuan.Kata Kunci: Gender, Kemampuan Spasial Matematis ABSTRACTThis study aims to describe the students' mathematical spatial abilities based on gender differences in the VIII grade Mathematics subject. The population in this study were eighth grade students of SMP Negeri 2 Praya. The subjects of this study were 4 students from 27 students of class VIII with the provisions of 2 male gender subjects and 2 female gender subjects who had the highest mathematical spatial ability of all students. The instruments used in this study were tests of mathematical spatial abilities and interviews. Technical data analysis is done by reducing data, presenting data, and drawing conclusions. Checking the validity of the data using triangulation techniques. The results showed that the spatial visualization ability of male subjects and female subjects had the same ability as indicated by the ability to determine the composition of an object after being manipulated in its position and shape. Meanwhile, in solving problems related to spatial orientation and spatial relations, male subjects are more dominant in using their spatial abilities than female subjects.KeywordsGender, Mathematical Spatial Ability