The Psychology of Gender 4th Edition

110 Chapter 4

12 34

1

A

1

Problem

Answer

2 3 4

Standard

Responses

BCD E

A spatial perception item. Respondents are asked to indicate

which tilted bottle has a horizontal water line.

A mental rotation item. Respondents are asked to identify the two responses

that show the standard in a different orientation.

Spatial visualization items. Left, Embedded Figures: Respondents are asked to find the simple

shape shown on the top in the complex shape shown on the bottom. Right, Paper Folding:

Respondents are asked to indicate how the paper would look when unfolded after a hole is punched.

FIGURE 4.4 Sample items from tests that measure spatial perception, mental rotation, and spatial

visualization.

Source: M. C. Linn and A. C. Petersen (1985). Emergence and characterization of sex differences in

spatial ability: A meta-analysis. Child Development, 56, 1479–1498. © 1985 Society for Research in

Child Development.

M04_HELG0185_04_SE_C04.indd 110 6/21/11 8:02 AM