Knowing When to Fold 'em: Problem Attributes and Strategy Differences in the Paper Folding Test

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Knowing When to Fold 'em: Problem Attributes and Strategy Differences in the Paper Folding Test
Language: English
Authors: Burte, Heather, Gardony, Aaron L., Hutton, Allyson, Taylor, Holly A.
Source: Grantee Submission. 2018.
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 11
Publication Date: 2018
Sponsoring Agency: Institute of Education Sciences (ED)
Contract Number: R305A140151
Document Type: Reports - Research
Descriptors: Spatial Ability, Visualization, Task Analysis, Problem Solving, Accuracy, Learning Strategies, Heuristics, Individual Differences, Psychometrics, Foreign Countries, Performance
Geographic Terms: Finland (Helsinki)
DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2018.08.009
Abstract: Spatial visualization--the ability to mentally imagine and manipulate objects--has frequently been measured using the Paper Folding Test (PFT). In this task, participants view diagrams of a paper being folded and a hole being punched. They then identify the resulting punch pattern. Although task instructions promote mentally unfolding the paper, the extent to which people follow this spatial visualization strategy is unknown. The present work assesses hypothesized PFT solution strategies and their relation to problem attributes. Accuracy was impacted by the interaction between fold types, linear mixed models revealed greater use of simple heuristics compared to the suggested unfolding. Furthermore, most participants used a single strategy but simple heuristics were more often used than unfolding. Given this, we recommend redesigning the PFT to utilize the prevalence of strategy use to assess individual differences. [This is the in press version of an article published in "Personality and Individual Differences" (ISSN 0191-8869).]
Abstractor: As Provided
IES Funded: Yes
Entry Date: 2018
Accession Number: ED590940
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Spatial visualization--the ability to mentally imagine and manipulate objects--has frequently been measured using the Paper Folding Test (PFT). In this task, participants view diagrams of a paper being folded and a hole being punched. They then identify the resulting punch pattern. Although task instructions promote mentally unfolding the paper, the extent to which people follow this spatial visualization strategy is unknown. The present work assesses hypothesized PFT solution strategies and their relation to problem attributes. Accuracy was impacted by the interaction between fold types, linear mixed models revealed greater use of simple heuristics compared to the suggested unfolding. Furthermore, most participants used a single strategy but simple heuristics were more often used than unfolding. Given this, we recommend redesigning the PFT to utilize the prevalence of strategy use to assess individual differences. [This is the in press version of an article published in "Personality and Individual Differences" (ISSN 0191-8869).]
DOI:10.1016/j.paid.2018.08.009