Women and mental rotation: Incremental theory and spatial strategy use enhance performance

Abstract

Mental rotation is a spatial skill in which men outperform women. The present research tested a motivational explanation of this gender difference with the hypothesis that positive beliefs will in women favor use of spatial strategies, which in turn will lead to improved MRT performance. Spatial strategy use and two beliefs, namely incremental theory and self-perception of ability in stereotypically masculine (i.e., requiring spatial ability) tasks, were assessed in a sample of 120 women. Two groups of solvers – one spatial, one non-spatial – were selected on the basis of self-rated strategy use. Results demonstrated that use of spatial strategies mediates the effect of incremental theory of masculine tasks on MRT performance, whereas self-perception of ability directly influences MRT performance. Findings are discussed on the basis of a socio-cognitive explanation of gender differences in mental rotation.