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ERIC Number: EJ1445861
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0309-8265
EISSN: EISSN-1466-1845
Exploring the Relation between Spatial Abilities and STEM Expertise
Eleni Tomai; Margarita Kokla; Christos Charcharos; Marinos Kavouras
Journal of Geography in Higher Education, v48 n5 p734-751 2024
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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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Greece
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A