Spatial ability in men and women: Review and new theory

Abstract Results from research on spatial abilities are selectively reviewed. Differences are noted in the effect of puberty on spatial ability of men and women, in the development of spatial ability in early- and late-maturing boys and girls, and in the spatial ability of feminine men and masculine women. Abnormalities are described in the spatial ability of men and women with hormonal disturbances. Variations are found in the spatial ability of women during the menstrual cycle. These findings are considered to lack an adequate explanation, so a new theory is proposed to account for them. The theory considers the cerebral level of estrogen to play an essential role in the expressions of spatial ability while testosterone is said to modulate actions of estrogen. The sex specific ontogenetic pattern of plasma hormone values and the loci of their biological action are outlined, and central mechanisms for hormone-brain-behavior relations are discussed. The theory is used to account for recent findings on spatial ability of women and men. Several implications of the theory are considered, and experiments needed to test the theory directly are discussed.