Leiden University Student Repository

Geest, Jens van der (2021)

The Relationship between Spatial ability, Spatial Anxiety, and Gender

Master thesis | Psychology (MSc)

Abstract Spatial learning using innovative tools like the Microsoft HoloLens is becoming more popular in STEM fields and education. However, not every individual seems to benefit from this type of instruction the same way. This might be caused by individual differences in spatial ability, but also by the cognitive load that AR learning can generate that could vary between individuals. This study tries to investigate several factors that might influence spatial learning when using 3D AR tools like the Microsoft HoloLens. The impact of the factors embodiment, spatial ability, spatial anxiety, and gender on spatial learning are examined and whether there is an relationship between these factors. Participants were 110 individuals between the age 18-35 that performed several online embodied and non-embodied spatial ability tests and had to fill in an spatial anxiety questionnaire to assess self-reported spatial anxiety. A three-way mixed ANOVA was performed on the different factors with...Show moreAbstract Spatial learning using innovative tools like the Microsoft HoloLens is becoming more popular in STEM fields and education. However, not every individual seems to benefit from this type of instruction the same way. This might be caused by individual differences in spatial ability, but also by the cognitive load that AR learning can generate that could vary between individuals. This study tries to investigate several factors that might influence spatial learning when using 3D AR tools like the Microsoft HoloLens. The impact of the factors embodiment, spatial ability, spatial anxiety, and gender on spatial learning are examined and whether there is an relationship between these factors. Participants were 110 individuals between the age 18-35 that performed several online embodied and non-embodied spatial ability tests and had to fill in an spatial anxiety questionnaire to assess self-reported spatial anxiety. A three-way mixed ANOVA was performed on the different factors with two between subject variables – gender and spatial anxiety – and one within subject variable – embodiment in spatial ability, with two levels: embodied and non-embodied spatial ability score. Results show comparable scores between embodied and non-embodied cognition, genders, and spatial anxiety types, hence no interaction effect was found, F(1, 77) = .011, p = .915, partial η2 < .001. Furthermore, no significant main effects were found. The results from the current study are not line with previous research, making it debatable whether these factors are of main influence on spatial learning and suggesting that there are other factors at play. Reasons for the conflicting results as well as suggestions for future research are discussed.Show less

Author

Geest, Jens van der

Faculty

Faculty of Social & Behavioural Sciences

Specialisation

Clinical Neuropsychology

Supervisors

Ham, C.J.M. van der

ECTS Credits

20

Language

en