Abstract
Spatial visualization skills are essential for an expert to be successful in several disciplines. Spatial thinking has an important role in the teaching and learning of mathematics process and engineering studies; previous studies proved that this ability has positive correlations with geometry and mathematics education. Spatial visualisation ability is a prerequisite for success in technical education. Studies deal with spatial ability are vital in the field of mathematics, geometry and engineering, but also in chemistry, physics, anatomy and psychology, so measurement and development of spatial ability are very useful. Many studies have shown that there are correlations between various measures of spatial skills and performance in particular Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) (Uttal DH, Cohen CA, Psychol Learn Motiv 57:147–181, 2012).
The measurement of spatial abilities is standardized by international tests, among which the Mental Cutting Test, Mental Rotation Test, Heinrich Spatial Visualization Test, Purdue Spatial Visualization Test and Purdue Spatial Visualization Test – Visualization of Rotation are widely used for testing the spatial ability. Interactive animation and virtual solids are promising tools for the training of spatial thinking and we can achieve better results in the understanding of the spatial relationships with the use of Dynamic Geometry Systems.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsReferences
Arıcı, S., & Aslan-Tutak, F. (2013). The effect of Origami-based instruction on spatial visualization, geometry achievement, and geometric reasoning. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 13(1), 179–200.
Arzarello, F., Olivero, F., Paola, D., & Robutti, O. (2002). A cognitive analysis of dragging practises in Cabri environments. ZDM, 34(3), 66–72.
Ault, H. K., & John, S. (2010). Assessing and enhancing visualization skills of engineering students in Africa: A comprehensive study. Engineering Design Graphics Journal, 74(2), 12–20.
Boon, P. Building houses. Freudenthal Institute, Utrecht University. http://www.fisme.uu.nl/toepassingen/00249/toepassing_wisweb.en.html
Bosnyák, Á., & Nagy-Kondor, R. (2008). The spatial ability and spatial geometrical knowledge of university students majored in mathematics. Acta Didactica Universitatis Comenianae, 8, 1–25.
Branoff, T. (1998). The effects of adding coordinate axes to a mental rotations task in measuring spatial visualization ability: An information-processing approach relating to teaching methods of undergraduate technical graphics education. Doctoral Dissertation, Norht Carolina State University.
Branoff, T., & Connolly, P. (1999). The addition of coordinate axes to the purdue spatial visualization test – Visualization of rotations: A study at two universities. In: Proceedings of the American Society for engineering education annual conference. https://peer.asee.org%2Fthe-addition-of-coordinate-axes-to-the-purdue-spatialvisualization-test-visualization-of-rotations-a-study-at-two-universities.pdf&usg=AFQjCNFWaGCQOOCg6gslSXPZ5FbKHfVSA
Budai, L. (2013). Improving problem-solving skills with the help of plane-space analogies. Center for Educational Policy Studies Journal, 3(4), 79–98.
Carlbom, I., & Paciorek, J. (1978). Planar geometric projections and viewing transformations. ACM Computing Surveys (CSUR), 10(4), 465–502.
CEEB. (1939). Special aptitude test in spatial relations. New York: Developed by the College Entrance Examination Board.
Chen, K. H. (1995). Validity studies of the Heinrich spatial visualization test. Doctoral Dissertation, Ohio State University, Ohio, USA.
Clark, A. C., & Scales, A. Y. (2000). A study of current trends and issues related to technical/engineering design graphics. Engineering Design Graphics Journal, 64(1), 24–34.
Czeglédy, I. (1988). The teaching of mathematical concept systems. Acta Academiae Pedagogicae Nyíregyháziensis/Matematika, 1, 105–113. (in Hungarian).
Fenyvesi, K., Budinski, N., Lavicza, ZS. (2014). Problem solving with hands-on and digital tools: Connecting origami and GeoGebra in mathematics education. Conference proceedings, the closing conference of the project visuality & mathematics, Eger, Hungary, pp. 25–38. ISBN 978-615-5297-26-7.
Ferguson, C., Ball, A., McDaniel, W., Anderson, R. (2008). A comparison of instructional methods for improving the spatial visualization ability of freshman technology seminar students. In: Proceedings, IAJC-IJME international conference, Nashville, TN. Retrieved from http://ijme.us/cd_08/PDF/37_IT305.pdf
Field, B. (1999). A course in spatial visualization. Journal for Geometry and Graphics, 3(2), 201–209.
Fuys, D., Geddes, D., Tischler, R. (1988). The van Hiele model of thinking in geometry among adolescents. Journal for Research in Mathematics Education, Monograph No. 3.
Gardner, H. (1983). Frames of mind: The theory of multiple intelligences. New York: Basic Books.
Gerson, H. B. P., Sorby, S. A., Wysocki, A., & Baartmans, B. J. (2001). The development and assessment of multimedia software for improving 3-D spartial visualization skills. Computer Applications in Engineering Education, 9(2), 105–113.
Gorska, R., & Sorby, S. (2008). Testing instruments for the assessment of 3-d spatial skills. In: Proceedings of the 2008 American Society for Engineering Education annual conference & exposition. Retrieved from http://soa.asee.org/paper/conference/paper-view.cfm?id=9408
Guay, R. B. (1977). Purdue spatial visualisation test: Rotations. West Lafayette: Purdue Research Foundation.
Haanstra, F. H. (1994). Effects of art education on visual-spatial and aesthetic perception: Two meta-analysis. Groningen: Rijksuniversiteit Groningen.
Heinrich, V. L. S. (1989). The development and validation of a spatial perception test for selection purposes. Master Science Dissertation, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
Hohenwarter, M., & Preiner, J. (2007). Dynamic mathematics with GeoGebra. The Journal of Online Mathematics and its Applications, 7.
Hölzl, R. (1994). Im Zugmodus der Cabri-Geomètrie. Weinheim: Deutscher Studien-Verlag.
Hölzl, R. (2001). Using dynamic geometry software to add constrast to geometric situations – A case study. International Journal of Computers for Mathematical Learning, 6(1), 63–86.
Kortenkamp, U. H. (1999). Foundations of dynamic geometry. Ph.D. thesis, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zürich.
Kubus. http://armarium.hu/kubus.php (20. 10. 2015).
Kurtulus, A. (2013). The effects of web–based interactive virtual tours on the development of prospective mathematics teachers’ spatial skills. Computers & Education, 63, 141–150.
Laborde, C. (2001). Integration of technology in the design of geometry tasks with Cabri-geometry. International Journal of Computers for Mathematical Learning, 6, 283–317.
Langley, D., Zadok, Y., & Arieli, R. (2014). Exploring spatial relationships: A strategy for guiding technological problem solving. Journal of Automation Mobile Robotics and Intelligent Systems, 8, 30–36.
Leopold, C., Gorska, R. A., & Sorby, S. A. (2001). International experiences in developing the spatial visualization abilities of engineering students. Journal for Geometry and Graphics, 5(1), 81–91.
Linn, M. C., & Petersen, A. C. (1985). Emergence and characterization of sex differences in spatial ability: A-meta analysis. Child Development, 56, 1479–1498.
Lord, T. R. (1985). Enhancing the visuo-spatial aptitude of students. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 22(5), 395–405.
Lubinski, D. (2010). Spatial ability and STEM: A sleeping giant for talent identification and development. Personality and Individual Differences, 49(4), 344–351.
Maier, P. H. (1998). Spatial geometry and spatial ability – How to make solid geometry solid? In: Elmar Cohors-Fresenborg, K. Reiss, G. Toener, and H.-G. Weigand (Eds.), Selected papers from the annual conference of didactics of mathematics 1996, Osnabrueck, 63–75.
Martín‐Gutiérrez, J., Gil, F. A., Contero, M., & Saorín, J. L. (2013). Dynamic three‐dimensional illustrator for teaching descriptive geometry and training visualisation skills. Computer Applications in Engineering Education, 21(1), 8–25.
McGee, M. G. (1979). Human spatial abilities: Psychometric studies and environmental, genetic, hormonal and neurological influences. Psychological Bulletin, 86, 899–918.
Nagy-Kondor, R. (2006). The background of students’ performance. Teaching Mathematics and Computer Science, 4(2), 295–305.
Nagy-Kondor, R. (2008a). The results of a delayed test in descriptive geometry. International Journal for Technology in Mathematics Education, 15(3), 119–128.
Nagy-Kondor, R. (2008b). Using dynamic geometry software at technical college. Mathematics and Computer Education, Fall, 3(42), 249–257.
Nagy-Kondor, R. (2010). Spatial ability, descriptive geometry and dynamic geometry systems. Annales Mathematicae et Informaticae, 37, 199–210.
Nagy-Kondor, R. (2014). Importance of spatial visualization skills in Hungary and Turkey: Comparative studies. Annales Mathematicae et Informaticae, 43, 171–181.
Nagy-Kondor, R., & Sörös, C. (2012). Engineering students’ spatial abilities in Budapest and Debrecen. Annales Mathematicae et Informaticae, 40, 187–201.
Nagy-Kondor, R., & Szíki, G. Á. (2012). “Basic Knowledge of Natural Sciences”: A new foundation subject at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Debrecen. Horizons of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Sciences, 41(2), 9–17. ISSN 1335–4981.
Nagyné Kondor, R. (2008). Introducing dynamic geometry system into teaching of deschriptive geometry of mechanical engineers (in Hungarian). PhD Dissertation, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.
Németh, B., & Hoffmann, M. (2006). Gender differences in spatial visualization among engineering students. Annales Mathematicae et Informaticae, 33, 169–174.
Németh, L. http://www.nyme.hu/uploads/media/kup_arnyek_axo.html (02. 10. 2015).
Olkun, S. (2003). Making connections: Improving spatial abilities with engineering drawing activities. International Journal of Mathematics Teaching and Learning. http://www.ex.uk/cimt/ijmt1/ijabout.htm
Papp, I. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4b8DTKHyn6PUFUxZ3BQSEJGc0E/view?usp=sharing (20. 10. 2015).
Papp, I. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4b8DTKHyn6PZHhBTFdUU0pzTkU/view?usp=sharing (20. 10. 2015).
Piaget, J., & Inhelder, B. (1967). The child’s conception of space. New York: The North Library.
Pietsch, S., & Jansen, P. (2012). Different mental rotation performance in students of music, sport and education. Learning and Individual Differences, 22, 159–163.
Rafi, A., Anuar, K., Samad, A., Hayati, M., & Mahadzir, M. (2005). Improving spatial ability using a web-based virtual environment (WbVE). Automation in Construction, 14, 707–715.
Rafi, A., Samsudin, K. A., & Ismail, A. (2006). On improving spatial ability through computer-mediated engineering drawing instruction. Educational Technology & Society, 9(3), 149–159.
Rotation tests, Freudenthal Institute, Utrecht University, http://www.fisme.science.uu.nl/toepassingen/03378/ (20. 10. 2015).
Saito, T., Shiina, K., Makino, K., Suzuki, K., Jingu, T. (1995) Analysis of problem solving process and causes of error in a mental cutting test. Proceedings of the 2nd China-Japan joint conference on Graphics Education, Chengdu, China, pp. 259–264.
Scribner, S. A. (2004). Novice drafters’ spatial visualization development: Influence of instructional methods and individual learning styles. Dissertation, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.
Seabla, R., & Santos, E. (2008). Evaluation of the spatial visualization ability of engineering students in a Brazilian engineering course. Journal for Geometry and Graphics, 12(1), 99–108.
Séra, L., Kárpáti, A., & Gulyás, J. (2002). Spatial ability (in Hungarian). Pécs: Comenius Kiadó.
Shea, D. L., Lubinski, D., & Benbow, C. P. (2001). Importance of assessing spatial ability in intellectually talented young adolescents: A 20-year longitudinal study. Journal of Educational Psychology, 93, 604–614.
Shiina, K., Short, D. R., Miller, C. L., & Suzuki, K. (2001). Development of software to record solving process of a mental rotations test. Journal for Geometry and Graphics, 5(2), 193–202.
Skemp, R. R. (1971). The psychology of learning mathematics. Harmondsworth: Penguin Books Ltd.
Sorby, S. (2001). A new and improved course for developing spatial visualization skills. Proceedings, ASEE annual conference.
Sorby, S. A., Cubero, S., Pasha-Zaidi, N., & Karki H. (2014). Spatial skills of engineering students in the United Arab Emirates, QScience Proceedings (Engineering Leaders Conference 2014) 2015:32. http://dx.doi.org/10.5339/qproc.2015.elc2014.32
Stachel, H. (2004). What is descriptive geometry for? http://citeseer.ist.psu.edu/642381.html.
Stylianides, G. J., & Stylianides, A. J. (2005). Validation of solutions of construction problems in dynamic geometry environments. International Journal of Computers for Mathematical Learning, 10, 31–47.
Szíki, G. Á., Juhász, Gy., Nagyné Kondor, R., Juhász, B. (2014). Computer program for the calculation of the performance parameters of pneumobiles. Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference on Advances in Mechanical Engineering (ISCAME 2014), pp. 159–166. ISBN 978-963-473-751-3.
Takaci, D., Zdravkovic, S., Rapajic, S. (2014). Problem solving with hands-on and digital tools: Connecting origami and GeoGebra in mathematics education. Conference proceedings, the closing conference of the project visuality & mathematics, Eger, Hungary, pp. 163–167. ISBN 978-615-5297-26-7.
Tsutsumi, E., Shiina, K., Suzaki, A., Yamanouchi, K., Takaaki, S., & Suzuki, K. (1999). A mental cutting test on female students using a stereographic system. Journal for Geometry and Graphics, 3, 111–119.
Turgut, M. (2015). Individual differences in the mental rotation skills of Turkish prospective teachers. IUMPST: The Journal, 5, 1–12. ISSN 2165-7874.
Turgut, M., & Nagy-Kondor, R. (2013a). Comparison of Hungarian and Turkish prospective mathematics teachers’ mental cutting performances. Acta Didactica Universitatis Comenianae, 13, 47–58. ISBN 978-80-223-3507-2.
Turgut, M., & Nagy-Kondor, R. (2013b). Spatial visualisation skills of Hungarian and Turkish prospective mathematics teachers. International Journal for Studies in Mathematics Education, 6(1), 168–183.
Uttal, D. H., & Cohen, C. A. (2012). Spatial thinking and STEM education: When, why and how. Psychology of Learning and Motivation, 57, 147–181.
van Hiele, P. M. (1986). Structure and insight (A theory of mathematics education). Orlando: Academic.
Vanderberg, S. G., & Kuse, A. R. (1978). Mental rotations, a group test of three dimensional spatial visualization. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 47, 599–604.
Vinner, S. (1983). Concept definition, concept image and the notion of function. International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, 14(3), 293–305.
Vorstenbosch, M. A., Klaassen, T. P., Donders, A. R. T., Kooloos, J. G., Bolhuis, S. M., & Laan, R. F. (2013). Learning anatomy enhances spatial ability. Anatomical Sciences Education, 6(4), 257–262.
Voyer, D., Voyer, S., & Bryden, M. P. (1995). Magnitude of sex differences in spatial abilities: A meta-analysis and consideration of critical variables. Psychological Bulletin, 117, 250–270.
Vygotsky, L. S. (1987). Thinking and speech. In R. W. Rieber & A. S. Carton (Eds.), The collected works of L. S. Vygotsky, Vol. 1. Problems of general psychology (pp. 39–285). New York: Plenum Press.
Williams, C. B., Gero, J., Lee, Y., & Paretti, M. (2010). Exploring spatial reasoning ability and design cognition in undergraduate engineering students. Proceedings of the ASME 2010 international design engineering technical conference and computers and information in engineering conference, pp. 1–8.
Yılmaz, H. B. (2009). On the development and measurement of spatial ability. International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education, 1(2), 83–96.
Yue, J. (2009). Spatial visualization by realistic 3D views. Engineering Design Graphics Journal, 72(1), 1–8.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2017 Springer International Publishing Switzerland
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Nagy-Kondor, R. (2017). Spatial Ability: Measurement and Development. In: Khine, M. (eds) Visual-spatial Ability in STEM Education. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-44385-0_3
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-44385-0_3
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-44384-3
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-44385-0
eBook Packages: EducationEducation (R0)