Spatial Ability: A Review and Reanalysis of the Correlational Literature.

Abstract : The first and longest part of this report reviews and reanalyzes the major American factor analytic studies of spatial ability in terms of a hierarchical model of ability organization. The most important questions are 'What are the major dimensions of individual differences in spatial ability?' and 'What are the implications of this research for a process understanding of spatial ability?' The second section examines the effects of alternative solution strategies used by subjects on spatial tests. Some of the major confusions in the factor analytic studies are shown to result from individuals solving spatial problems in different ways. In addition to reviewing the literature on this topic, some new data are presented and discussed. The third section reviews the relationship between speed, level, and complexity in test performance. The speed-level dimension is shown to be crucially important for all factor analytic work, particularly for the distinction between broad, general factors and narrow specifics. Implications of this research for chronometric studies of spatial ability are also discussed. It is argued that individual differences in speed may be largely independent of individual differences in level, especially on spatial tasks.