Sex differences in pattern copying: spatial cues or motor skills?

Accuracy of pattern copying was studied in male and female 10-year-olds. It was hypothesized that previous research reporting male superiority on this measure may have actually reflected the gross-motor skills requirements of the task. The use of smaller stimuli was predicted to eliminate or reverse this sex difference. In addition, visual reference cues were included on some trials to examine their potential facilitation effects. Contrary to expectations, males benefited from spatial reference cues whereas females did not, independent of stimulus size.

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