Measuring Spatial Abilities in Children: A Comparison of Mental-Rotation and Perspective-Taking Tasks
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Authors
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Publication date
2023
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01A - Journal article
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Parent work
Journal of Intelligence
Special issue
Spatial Intelligence and Learning
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Volume
11
Issue / Number
8
Pages / Duration
1-19
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MDPI
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Abstract
Mental rotation (MR) and perspective taking (PT) are important spatial abilities and predictive of performance in other cognitive domains. Yet, age-appropriate measures to assess these spatial abilities in children are still rare. This study examined psychometric properties of four MR tasks in 6- to 9-year-olds (N = 96). Two were developed specifically for children and two were based on established assessments for adults; one of each was a computerized and one was a paper–pencil task. Furthermore, spatial perspective taking (PT)—a different but closely related ability—was assessed to determine discriminant validity. Factor analyses showed that all MR tasks loaded on one single factor, with PT only loading weakly on the same factor, suggesting high construct validity. The computerized task for adults showed moderate factor loadings, constituted its own (but correlated) factor when a two-factor solution was forced, and showed the lowest reliabilities, suggesting that it was very difficult for children. On average, the new MR tasks had good to excellent reliabilities, differentiated well between age groups, and proved to be well-suited to assess MR in this age range. The PT task also showed good reliability and a steep developmental progression. Relations to verbal skills, gaming experience, and TV consumption are discussed.
Keywords
children; spatial cognition; assessment; perspective taking; mental rotation
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ISBN
ISSN
2079-3200
Language
English
Created during FHNW affiliation
No
Strategic action fields FHNW
Publication status
Published
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Peer review of the complete publication
Open access category
Gold
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Citation
Frick, A., & Pichelmann, S. (2023). Measuring Spatial Abilities in Children: A Comparison of Mental-Rotation and Perspective-Taking Tasks. Journal of Intelligence, 11(8), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence11080165