Spatial ability in secondary school students: Intra-sex differences based on self-selection for physical education

Authors: Tlauka, Michael1; Williams, Jennifer1; Williamson, Paul1

Source: British Journal of Psychology, Volume 99, Number 3, August 2008 , pp. 427-440(14)

Publisher: British Psychological Society

Key:
Free Content - Free Content
New Content - New Content
Subscribed Content - Subscribed Content
Free Trial Content - Free Trial Content

Abstract:

Past research has demonstrated consistent sex differences with men typically outperforming women on tests of spatial ability. However, less is known about intra-sex effects. In the present study, two groups of female students (physical education and non-physical education secondary students) and two corresponding groups of male students explored a large-scale virtual shopping centre. In a battery of tasks, spatial knowledge of the shopping centre as well as mental rotation ability were tested. Additional variables considered were circulating testosterone levels, the ratio of 2D:4D digit length, and computer experience. The results revealed both sex and intra-sex differences in spatial ability. Variables related to virtual navigation and computer ability and experience were found to be the most powerful predictors of group membership. Our results suggest that in female and male secondary students, participation in physical education and spatial skill are related.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1348/000712608X282806

Affiliations: 1: School of Psychology, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia

The full text electronic article is available for purchase. You will be able to download the full text electronic article after payment.

$24.40 plus tax

 

OR

Back to top

Key:
Free Content - Free Content
New Content - New Content
Subscribed Content - Subscribed Content
Free Trial Content - Free Trial Content
Page Help Click here for Page Help
Shopping cart
Tools
Sign in






Need to register?
Sign up here
Text size: A | A | A | A