Space Relations Test as a Measure of Visualization Ability

Abstract

For three years a Space Relations test has been given to the geology and petroleum engineering majors at The University of Texas, at the beginning of the structural geology course. Results of this test, given to over 200 students during this time, indicate a positive correlation between performance on the test and final grades in courses in structural geology and mineralogy, as well as the average of grades in structural geology and all prerequisite geology courses. A student scoring 80 or higher has better than even odds of receiving an “A” or “B” in mineralogy and structural geology. Below 65, he has only 1 to 6 odds of an “A” or “B” and nearly even odds to make a “D” or “F” in either course. Further, the test should indicate a large proportion of the potential graduate geology students at an early stage in their programs. It would be profitable to give the Space Relations test to all beginning geology majors, thus enabling an early evaluation of their ability in visualization.