Gender differences in dynamic spatial abilities

Abstract

Gender differences in spatial ability were evaluated for two computerized dynamic (one power and one speed) and two static paper and pencil (one power and one speed) tests over sessions. Four factors were evaluated in a factorial design: gender, practice (i.e. session), paper and pencil vs dynamic (i.e. computerized) spatial tests, and power vs speed. A total of 250 paid volunteer men and women were tested in a counterbalanced design over two sessions. Results revealed two significant ( P < 0.05) triple interactions involving gender, session, and power vs speed as well as dynamic vs paper and pencil tests. Although men generally did better than women and all subjects improved with practice, women improved at a faster rate for the speeded computer task and were not statistically different from the men at session 2. Future research should be directed toward two main thrusts: the effects of practice on the power tests and the effect of practice on the predictive validity of the speeded computerized tests.