CROSS-CULTURAL COMPARISONS OF GENDER DIFFERENCES IN THE SPATIAL SKILLS OF ENGINEERING STUDENTS

Abstract

Three-dimensional visualization skills are critically important for success in engineering careers. A variety of strategies have been implemented to enhance the spatial visualization skills of engineering students. Along with these strategies, standardized tests such as the MCT (Mental Cutting Test), the MRT (Mental Rotations Test), and the PSVT:R (Purdue Spatial Visualization Test: Rotations) have been utilized as a means for measuring spatial ability. This article examines the factors that seem to be significant in the development of visualization skills, and also examines gender differences in background and in visualization ability for students enrolled in United States, German, and Polish technical universities. Thus, gender differences in visualization skills which cross international boundaries can be studied.