…Very little is known about individuals who excel on measures of spatial abilities. Do spatially gifted individuals differ from non-spatially gifted individuals in their abilities, preferences, interests, and values? The present study will attempt to identify and examine the unique profile of interests, values, abilities, and preferences of individuals who are spatially gifted. In particular, vocational and educational preferences will be explored in the hopes of gaining a better understanding of the unique needs of students in this overlooked population. By identifying the educational and vocational preferences and needs of the spatially gifted, educators can be better equipped to design interventions and educational experiences that develop the unique talents of these individuals.
…Both spatially gifted males and females possessed strong mathematical reasoning abilities and spatial-mechanical reasoning abilities. Spatially gifted males possessed intense Investigative vocational interests and theoretical values. For spatially gifted females, their scores on the Investigative interest scale were higher than those of the other 3 groups, but in comparison to the other 5 interests scales, Investigative interests were second to Artistic interests. As for values, spatially gifted females were more likely to endorsed Aesthetic values as their most prominent value, followed by Theoretical and Social values.
As for preferences for activities and hobbies involving contact with objects versus people, high spatial ability individuals reported statistically-significantly more involvement in tinkering now and in the past. While spatially gifted females reported more tinkering as a child than low spatial ability females, they were not statistically-significantly different (or higher) than low spatial ability males. As for current involvement in tinkering, spatially gifted females were even more similar to low spatial ability females in their tinkering involvement versus high and low spatial ability males. In looking at extracurricular activities, females, particularly those identified as being spatially gifted were more likely to be involved in art-related activities. This involvement may represent a combination for a preference for activities involving things and intense Artistic vocational interests and Aesthetic values. Based on the prominence of Social interests and values in the interest and value profiles of females in the present study and based on preferences for occupations involving working with and help others, it can be argued that spatially gifted females have an interest and preference in activities involving contact with people.
Overall, the spatially gifted males in the current study were more likely to be characterized by the profile of abilities and interests identified by 1992 as being important for success in engineering and the physical science. This finding is not surprising in lieu of the literature that shows women have more diverse interests and values, which may not be as well-matched to careers in the sciences and engineering. Beyond interests and values, women may also lack the level of spatial ability that is necessary to excel in science and engineering careers. As pointed out earlier, the current study adds to the literature on the under-representation of women in engineering and science by considering the unique profile of capabilities necessary to pursue these careers (ie. spatial and mathematical ability coupled with intense realistic and investigative interests). While the literature has ignored the role ability or talent plays in under-representation, it may point to further barriers that keep qualified women from continuing in science and engineering careers. The current literature may also point to possible limitations of the current study, along with possible future directions to take.