A structural theory of spatial abilities
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A structural theory of spatial abilities
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1990
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Abstract
A cylindrical-wedge model is proposed to
represent the correlational structure of a variety of
spatial ability tests. The model corresponds to the
design of the tests’ content, according to three
facets: (1) type of rule task, (2) dimensionality of
the test items, and (3) need to mentally rotate test
objects in space. Additional facets are suggested to
refine the theoretical and empirical structure. The
model emphasizes regionality for representing interrelationships
as an alternative to factor analytic
models which seek meaningful reference axes. The
axis approach has not supplied an unambiguous
theory that unifies content classification with the
empirical structure of spatial abilities; it is also
technically more awkward and less parsimonious
than the regional approach. This paper advances
theory and data analysis in the field of spatial
ability by providing a unified conceptual framework
that can be refined and expanded systematically,
and that serves as an actual experimental
design that can be easily executed by other workers
in the field. Existing data are shown to support
the regional cylindrical-wedge model. Index
terms: facet theory, factor analysis, intelligence, mapping
sentence, Smallest Space Analysis, spatial
ability
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Previously Published Citation
Guttman, Ruth, Epstein, Elizabeth E, Amir, Marianne & Guttman, Louis. (1990). A structural theory of spatial abilities. Applied Psychological Measurement, 14, 217-236. doi:10.1177/014662169001400301
Suggested citation
Guttman, Ruth; Epstein, Elizabeth E.; Amir, Marianne; Guttman, Louis. (1990). A structural theory of spatial abilities. Retrieved from the University Digital Conservancy, https://hdl.handle.net/11299/113585.
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