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Relations between spatial skills and math performance in elementary school children: A longitudinal investigation
Elyssa A Geer1, Jamie M Quinn2, Colleen M Ganley1
1Department of Psychology, Florida State University.
Developmental Psychology
|December 15, 2018
Summary
This longitudinal study found that spatial visualization and math skills develop over time in elementary students. Early spatial skills predicted later math performance, and later math skills predicted future spatial abilities, suggesting a reciprocal relationship.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Development
- Educational Psychology
- Mathematics Education
Background:
- Prior research indicates a connection between spatial and mathematical abilities.
- Longitudinal studies examining the developmental interplay between these skills are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental trajectories of spatial and math skills in elementary students.
- To examine the reciprocal relationships between different types of spatial skills and math performance over time.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study design with 312 students from 1st to 3rd grade.
- Administered spatial visualization, mental rotation, spatial perception, and math tasks over three consecutive school years.
- Employed linear growth models and random intercepts cross-lagged panel analysis to assess skill development and interrelations.
Main Results:
- Both spatial and math skills showed significant increases across the three school years.
- Spatial visualization/mental rotation at Year 1 predicted math performance at Year 2.
- Math performance at Year 2 predicted spatial visualization/mental rotation and spatial perception skills at Year 3.
- Grade and gender differences were observed in task performance.
Conclusions:
- Evidence supports a reciprocal relationship between spatial skills (particularly visualization/mental rotation) and math performance during elementary school.
- The specific type of spatial skill measured is crucial when examining its relationship with mathematical abilities.
- Findings highlight the importance of fostering spatial skills for math development in young learners.
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