Abstract

This study explored visuospatial ability using a new group-administered task, the Judgment of Line Angle and Position-15 test (JLAP-15). We investigated (1) how this task relates to the Vandenberg Mental Rotation Test (VMRT) and (2) whether the sex difference in performance could be explained by the number of prior mathematics courses and/or strategy used. Undergraduates (n = 86 men and 112 women) completed the JLAP-15 and VMRT, and reported their strategies. Men had higher scores than women on the JLAP-15 and VMRT (d = 1.04 for JLAP-15 and 1.10 for VMRT), with a significant intertask correlation (r = .41). Regression analyses indicated that strategy type, number of mathematics courses completed, and sex were significant predictors of performance on the JLAP-15, accounting for 21% of the variance.

Cherney, I. D., & Collaer, M. L. (2005). Sex differences in line judgment: Relation to mathematics preparation and strategy use. Perceptual & Motor Skills, 100, 615-627.