Van Hoof, Patricia
1.03 MB of textual records (PDF)
Audience: Undergraduate. -- Dissertation: Thesis (B. A.). -- Algoma University, 2000. -- Submitted in partial fulfillment of course requirements for PSYC 4105. -- Includes figures and tables. -- Contents: Thesis.
Involvement in high spatial sport activities positively correlates with higher scores on spatial ability tests, possibly accounting for observed male advantages across the life span. The present study attempted to show a causal factor of experience for the early emergence of gender differences. Four grade three classes were assigned to 2 experimental conditions: high spatial (HS) sport activiites and low spatial (LS) activities. Pre-treatment assessment of past experience predicted scores of spatial ability tests for males, but not for females. Female scores were correlated with coached activities. Data showed an effect on spatial ability test scores, resulting from treatment. Non-significant trends for male superiority on spatial tests were observed, suggesting a need for closer examination of causal factors over time.