Subgroup Analysis of Sex Difference on the Vandenberg-Kuse Mental Rotation Test

Abstract

A large sex difference has been elicited on the Vandenberg-Kuse mental rotation test. Prior research emphasizes the biological root of this sex difference. In recent experiments we confirmed this viewpoint. A large sample was administered the test, and the distributions of scores for men and women (N = 138; 68 men and 70 women: ages 19 to 23 years). The mean scores were used as cut-off points to group the men and the women in different subgroups (Low/Women, High/Women, Low/Men, High/Men). There were large differences among all subgroups, reinforcing Kimura's testosterone hypothesis for sex differences in spatial ability.

The fMRI correlates of visuo-spatial abilities: sex differences and gender dysphoria

“…Among the explored cognitive domains, the visuospatial abilities hold a prominent position. In particular, several studies have shown sex-based differences in the visuospatial domain with men performing better than women (Vandenberg & Kuse, 1978 ; Linn & Peterson, 1985 ; Johnson & Meade, 1987 ; Goldstein et al, 1990 ; Voyer et al, 1995 ; Karádi et al, 2003 ; Peters, 2005 ). Neuroimaging investigations revealed that during a Mental Rotation Test (MRT), men activate parietal cortex more than women who, in their turn, exhibit a more marked activation in the inferior frontal cortex (Hugdahl et al, 2006 ).…”