Vision‐Based Spatial Abilities and Pictures of Objects Recognized from Haptic Perception

Abstract

Objective. As a basis for an application in anatomy education, vision‐based spatial abilities have been previously correlated with a drawing score based on haptic perception of objects. The objective of the current study was to determine whether a picture could replace a drawing in correlating haptic perception of objects with vision‐based spatial abilities tests.Methods. A cohort of 48 medical graduates was enrolled in a prospective study. Spatial abilities were measured with a redrawn Vandenberg and Kuse Mental Rotations Tests in two (MRTA) and three (MRTC) dimensions and a Surface Development Test (SDT). Twenty‐five objects constructed from various shaped parts glued together were identified on a picture by participants after haptic perception. The maximum score was 24 for each of MRTA and MRTC, 60 for SDT, and 25 for the picture score. Descriptive statistics included median and lower and upper quartiles. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to compare the picture score to MRTA, MRTC and SDT scores.Results. The picture score [18 (12, 21)] was correlated with MRTA [14 (9, 17)], MRTC [9.5 (6.5, 12)] and SDT [44.5 (36, 53)] scores with a correlation of 0.427 (p = 0.0025), 0.539 (p < 0.0001) and 0.429 (p = 0.0024), respectively.ConclusionsVision‐based spatial abilities tests were correlated with pictures of objects recognized from haptic perception. Individual differences in spatial abilities as related to haptic perception have implications for education in the anatomy laboratory.This study was supported by an internal grant from the Department of Surgery, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.

Do our hands see what our eyes see? Investigating spatial and haptic abilities

“…44 A moderate inverse correlation between SA and the time required to complete a drawing constructed from the mental image obtained during blind haptic perception has also been observed. 72 The suggested inverse relationship between the perception of difficulty and the expansion of sensory inputs channels is consistent with the Multimedia Learning Theory underpinned by audio and visual sensory channels. The Multimedia Learning Theory 75 posits meaningful learning involves cognitive apprehension and processing that yield connections between pictorial and auditory representations.…”

“…Here, scores obtained by drawing 3D objects that were first explored by blind haptic perception suggested that SAs are moderately correlated to HA 44 . In subsequent versions of their complex‐object haptic tests, scores obtained from the recognition of pictures from haptic were also moderately correlated to SA 64 . Although both perception studies suggest a relationship between haptic perception and object recognition, the authors did not isolate to which degree the relationship exists nor did they isolate HA and identify the interactions between HA and vision.…”

“…Early findings have produced correlations between SA, measured via MRT, and haptic exploration of objects. 44,64 Here, scores obtained by drawing 3D objects that were first explored by blind haptic perception suggested that SAs are moderately correlated to HA. 44 In subsequent versions of their complex-object haptic tests, scores obtained from the recognition of pictures from haptic were also moderately correlated to SA.…”

“…44 In subsequent versions of their complex-object haptic tests, scores obtained from the recognition of pictures from haptic were also moderately correlated to SA. 64 Although both perception studies suggest a relationship between haptic perception and object recognition, the authors did not isolate to which degree the relationship exists nor did they isolate HA and identify the interactions between HA and vision. To date, there appears to be little inquiry about the mechanistic relationships between both abilities.…”

“…The study suggested this new psychometric tool is useful for practitioners working with young individuals having impaired vision. Another study in young adults measured HA as the ability to complete a drawing of a complex 3D object based on haptic perception 44 . Although attempts to measure HA were previously undertaken, no approaches to measure HA in a standardized fashion as the MRT exist.…”