Computerizing the Mental Rotations Test: are gender differences maintained?

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Educational Technology

Background:

• The Revised Mental Rotations Test (RMRT) is a standard measure of spatial ability.
• Traditional paper-and-pencil tests may exhibit significant gender differences in performance.
• Digital adaptations of cognitive tests can potentially alter performance characteristics and reduce biases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a touch-screen computerized version of the RMRT.
• To compare its psychometric properties, particularly gender differences, with the paper-and-pencil version.
• To assess score reliability and error patterns across both test formats.

Main Methods:

• Two versions of the RMRT were administered: paper-and-pencil (n=192) and touch-screen (n=91).
• Participants included both men and women.
• Standard scores, error proportions, and correct response proportions were analyzed for both versions.

Main Results:

• Expected gender differences were observed in both versions, with men outperforming women.
• Effect sizes for gender differences (Cohen's d) were significantly reduced in the computerized version (medium) compared to the paper-and-pencil version (large).
• Scores showed a nominal decline from the first to the second half of both tests, notably for women on the paper-and-pencil version.

Conclusions:

• The touch-screen RMRT demonstrates reduced gender differences in spatial ability assessment.
• Computerized administration may mitigate some biases present in traditional psychometric testing.
• The digital format offers a potentially more equitable tool for evaluating mental rotation skills.