Measuring Spatial Perspective Taking: Analysis of Four Measures Using Item Response Theory

Abstract

Research on spatial thinking requires reliable and valid measures of individual differences in various component skills. Spatial perspective taking (PT)—the ability to represent viewpoints different from one's own—is one kind of spatial skill that is especially relevant to navigation. This study had two goals. First, the psychometric properties of four PT tests were examined: Four Mountains Task (FMT), Spatial Orientation Task (SOT), Perspective‐Taking Task for Adults (PTT‐A), and Photographic Perspective‐Taking Task (PPTT). Using item response theory (IRT), item difficulty, discriminability, and efficiency of item information functions were evaluated. Second, the relation of PT scores to general intelligence, working memory, and mental rotation (MR) was assessed. All tasks showed good construct validity except for FMT. PPTT tapped a wide range of PT ability, with maximum measurement precision at average ability. PTT‐A captured a lower range of ability. Although SOT contributed less measurement information than other tasks, it did well across a wide range of PT ability. After controlling for general intelligence and working memory, original and IRT‐refined versions of PT tasks were each related to MR. PTT‐A and PPTT showed relatively more divergent validity from MR than SOT. Tests of dimensionality indicated that PT tasks share one common PT dimension, with secondary task‐specific factors also impacting the measurement of individual differences in performance. Advantages and disadvantages of a hybrid PT test that includes a combination of items across tasks are discussed.

An Appraisal of the Role of the Neocerebellum for Spatial Navigation in Healthy Aging

“…However, we did show significant association between GM volume and scores on the PPT in lobule VI. This result and the absence of other significant correlations, notably with tests assessing specific memory processes, could be also explained by the capacity of the PPT to reflect multiple facets of cognition [ 28 , 29 ]. Previous studies have shown that the performance of older adults in navigational tasks could be predicted by PPT scores but not by executive or memory scores [ 30 ].…”

A picture or a thousand words: Neither improve spatial knowledge of a complex virtual environment

“…This task required participants to visualize what photographs would look like when taken from cameras placed at different positions and angles relative to their viewpoint. The original task was designed for children, thus the version used in the present study was adapted in difficulty level for use in adult populations (Brucato et al, 2022). In each item, participants were shown an image of a toy character near an arrangement of three objects.…”

“…Each of the eight angular differences (0°, 180°, to the right 45°, 90° or 135°, and to the left 45°, 90° or 135°) was presented four times. Accuracy was recorded on the computer through the participants' click selection for each item scores were calculated at the total number of items correctly answered out of the total time it took them to complete the task (Brucato et al, 2022).…”

Measuring Spatial Abilities in Children: A Comparison of Mental-Rotation and Perspective-Taking Tasks

“…Yet, it remains difficult to find validated measures for many specific types of spatial abilities (cf. Brucato et al 2022 ; Newcombe et al 2023 ), especially if they need to be suitable for young children or group testing. Many of the existing measures that closely model tests originally developed for adults are difficult to understand for young children or preschoolers.…”