Exploring the Relation between Spatial Abilities and STEM Expertise
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| Title: | Exploring the Relation between Spatial Abilities and STEM Expertise |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Eleni Tomai (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of Geography in Higher Education. 2024 48(5):734-751. |
| Availability: | Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 18 |
| Publication Date: | 2024 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Secondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Spatial Ability, STEM Education, Individual Differences, Expertise, Foreign Countries, Adults, Males, Secondary Education, Intellectual Disciplines, Attitudes, Lay People, Student Attitudes, Nonparametric Statistics, Statistical Analysis |
| Geographic Terms: | Greece |
| DOI: | 10.1080/03098265.2023.2263735 |
| ISSN: | 0309-8265 1466-1845 |
| Abstract: | Small-scale spatial abilities that involve the mental representation and transformation of two- and three-dimensional images and manipulation of objects at table-top have been studied extensively and are considered predictive of both interest and success in STEM disciplines. However, research investigating the relation of large-scale spatial abilities to STEM disciplines is sparse. The paper describes the design and implementation of a study for assessing individual differences (if any) in spatial abilities in both figural and environmental spaces between STEM experts (with over 10 years of experience) and non-experts (individuals without any studies in STEM fields). Participants' performance in 16 small-, 10 large-scale tasks, and one self-assessment questionnaire at environmental scale was evaluated to assess their corresponding abilities. Results indicate differences between experts and non-experts, which are mostly highlighted for small-scale abilities where experts outperform non-experts. At large scale, some significant differences are identified, which also favor experts. Correlations among the variables tested provide evidence that different abilities are prominent between experts and non-experts. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2024 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1445861 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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| Abstract: | Small-scale spatial abilities that involve the mental representation and transformation of two- and three-dimensional images and manipulation of objects at table-top have been studied extensively and are considered predictive of both interest and success in STEM disciplines. However, research investigating the relation of large-scale spatial abilities to STEM disciplines is sparse. The paper describes the design and implementation of a study for assessing individual differences (if any) in spatial abilities in both figural and environmental spaces between STEM experts (with over 10 years of experience) and non-experts (individuals without any studies in STEM fields). Participants' performance in 16 small-, 10 large-scale tasks, and one self-assessment questionnaire at environmental scale was evaluated to assess their corresponding abilities. Results indicate differences between experts and non-experts, which are mostly highlighted for small-scale abilities where experts outperform non-experts. At large scale, some significant differences are identified, which also favor experts. Correlations among the variables tested provide evidence that different abilities are prominent between experts and non-experts. |
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| ISSN: | 0309-8265 1466-1845 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/03098265.2023.2263735 |
