Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/6191
Title: Performance on spatial tasks by male and female students enrolled in different faculties at the University of Malta
Authors: Zammit, Cynthia Margaret
Keywords: Spatial ability
Mental rotation
Sex differences
Cognitive psychology
Issue Date: 2015
Abstract: Spatial ability is a concept that affects everyday behaviours, education, as well as career success. Research has so far shown not only individual but also group diversities in assessments of this ability. The aim of the present research is to test for any differences in spatial performance between males and females and between groups of students enrolled in different faculties at the University of Malta. A quantitative research approach was used. Stratified random sampling was used whereby all students enrolled in the Faculties of Arts, for Social Wellbeing, of Engineering and of Science were asked to respond to an online visuospatial test, administered through Survey Monkey. A total of 183 students responded allowing for Chi Square analysis of differences in scores between males and females, and between faculty groups. Results showed that males outperformed females in all 12 tasks and significantly so in 5 of the tasks. Results varied with some unexpected results for faculty specialisation, but Engineering students performed best, followed by Science, Social Wellbeing, and Arts, with statistically significant differences on 3 of the tasks. Thus, findings from the test complemented previous literature, which demonstrates an association between one’s spatial performance in relation to gender and faculty membership. It is suggested that educators should take note of this phenomenon in order to ensure that all individuals, whether male or female, are enabled to develop their potential in all areas of their multiple intelligences while also being able to successfully take up any career of their choice.
Description: B.PSY.(HONS)
URI: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar//handle/123456789/6191
Appears in Collections:Dissertations - FacSoW - 2015
Dissertations - FacSoWPsy - 2015

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