Effects of Training in Apparel Design and Product Development on Spatial Visualization Skills

Abstract

This study examines the effects of indirect training provided by apparel design and product development courses on spatial visualization skills. Spatial visualization skills are measured by using the Apparel Spatial Visualization Test, a domain-specific measure of spatial visualization, and the Paper Folding Test, a general measure of spatial visualization. In a pretestposttest comparison group design, 128 students completed the two tests at the beginning and end of semester courses. Test scores indicate student improvement on both tests of spatial visualization during the course of a semester. Students in Beginning Clothing Construction improved significantly more on the Apparel Spatial Visualization Test than students in Flat Pattern and Computer Aided Design. Students in Computer Aided Design improved significantly more on the Paper Folding Test than students in Beginning Clothing Construction and Flat Pattern. Results support the viability of indirect training provided in these courses as a means to improve spatial visualization skills.