Cited by 297Spatial Cognition and NavigationGeography Education and PedagogyCognitive and developmental aspects of mathematical skills

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 31 of the 31 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.

Exploring and Enhancing Spatial Thinking: Links to Achievement in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics?

Uttal, David H., Miller, David I., Newcombe, Nora S.·2013·Current Directions in Psychological Science

DOI 10.1177/0963721413484756

Open this paper in CoChat — free account

Abstract

Although neglected in traditional education, spatial thinking plays a critical role in achievement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. We review this relationship and investigate the malleability of spatial thinking. Can spatial thinking be improved with training, life experience, or educational interventions? Can improving spatial thinking improve STEM achievement? Research indicates that the answer is “yes” to both questions. A recent quantitative synthesis of 206 spatial training studies found an average training improvement of 0.47 standard deviations. Training effects lasted for months in studies examining durability and transferred to tasks that differed at least moderately from training tasks. A few studies indicate that spatial training can improve STEM learning, although more research needs to be done on this issue. We argue that including spatial thinking in STEM curricula could substantially increase the number of Americans with the requisite cognitive skills to enter STEM careers.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1177/0963721413484756

Cites

31 of 31 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Recomputing p-values needs the paper’s full text.

Claims the paper makes

This paper’s full text isn’t openly available, so its claims and self-check weren’t run. The registry and citation checks still apply.

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

The malleability of spatial skills: A meta-analysis of training studies.
Uttal, D. H., Meadow, N. G., Tipton, E., Hand, L. L., Alden, A. R., Warren, C. M., & Newcombe, N. S. (2012) · Psychological Bulletin · doi:10.1037/a0028446 · Cited by 2,188
When and where do we apply what we learn?: A taxonomy for far transfer
Barnett, S. M., & Ceci, S. J. (2002) · Psychological Bulletin · doi:10.1037/0033-2909.128.4.612 · Cited by 2,076 · cited 2×
“D figures) were coded as near transfer, but substantially different transfer and training tasks were coded as far transfer (Barnett & Ceci, 2002).”
Background
Spatial ability for STEM domains: Aligning over 50 years of cumulative psychological knowledge solidifies its importance.
Wai, J., Lubinski, D., & Benbow, C. P. (2009) · Journal of Educational Psychology · doi:10.1037/a0016127 · Cited by 2,004
Playing an Action Video Game Reduces Gender Differences in Spatial Cognition
Feng, J., Spence, I., & Pratt, J. (2007) · Psychological Science · doi:10.1111/j.1467-9280.2007.01990.x · Cited by 1,201
Learning to Think Spatially
National Research Council (2006) · National Academies Press eBooks · doi:10.17226/11019 · Cited by 653
Educational Research in Developing 3‐D Spatial Skills for Engineering Students
Sorby, S. (2009) · International Journal of Science Education · doi:10.1080/09500690802595839 · Cited by 632
Spatial Thinking and STEM Education
Uttal, D. H., & Cohen, C. A. (2012) · The Psychology of learning and motivation/The psychology of learning and motivation · doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-394293-7.00004-2 · Cited by 573
The relation between spatial skill and early number knowledge: The role of the linear number line
Gunderson, E. A., Ramirez, G., Beilock, S. L., & Levine, S. C. (2012) · Developmental Psychology · doi:10.1037/a0027433 · Cited by 554
Increasing Speed of Processing With Action Video Games
Dye, M. W. G., Green, C. S., & Bavelier, D. (2009) · Current Directions in Psychological Science · doi:10.1111/j.1467-8721.2009.01660.x · Cited by 521
Accomplishment in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and its relation to STEM educational dose: A 25-year longitudinal study.
Wai, J., Lubinski, D., Benbow, C. P., & Steiger, J. H. (2010) · Journal of Educational Psychology · doi:10.1037/a0019454 · Cited by 395

Show all 31 references

Research works printed but not linked: 2

Kail R., 1992, Merrill-Palmer Quarterly, 38, 525
Kastens K. A., 2006, Geological Society of America Special Paper, 413, 53

Sorted by citations

The new science of cognitive sex differences
Miller, D. I., & Halpern, D. F. (2014) · Trends in Cognitive Sciences · doi:10.1016/j.tics.2013.10.011 · Cited by 610
Enhancing Attentional Control: Lessons from Action Video Games
Bavelier, D., & Green, C. S. (2019) · Neuron · doi:10.1016/j.neuron.2019.09.031 · Cited by 301
How Much Can Spatial Training Improve STEM Achievement?
Stieff, M., & Uttal, D. H. (2015) · Educational Psychology Review · doi:10.1007/s10648-015-9304-8 · Cited by 290
Visuospatial training improves elementary students’ mathematics performance
Lowrie, T., Logan, T., & Ramful, A. (2017) · British Journal of Educational Psychology · doi:10.1111/bjep.12142 · Cited by 212
Computational Thinking from a Disciplinary Perspective: Integrating Computational Thinking in K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education
Lee, I. A., Grover, S., Martin, F., Pillai, S., & Malyn‐Smith, J. (2019) · Journal of Science Education and Technology · doi:10.1007/s10956-019-09803-w · Cited by 253
Investigating Gender Differences in Mathematics and Science: Results from the 2011 Trends in Mathematics and Science Survey
Reilly, D., Neumann, D. L., & Andrews, G. (2017) · Research in Science Education · doi:10.1007/s11165-017-9630-6 · Cited by 256
Of magnitudes and metaphors: Explaining cognitive interactions between space, time, and number
Winter, B., Marghetis, T., & Matlock, T. (2014) · Cortex · doi:10.1016/j.cortex.2014.10.015 · Cited by 198
Recent research on geometry education: an ICME-13 survey team report
Sinclair, N., Bartolini, M. G., de Villiers, M. D., Jones, K., Kortenkamp, U., Leung, A. Y. L., & Owens, K. (2016) · ZDM · doi:10.1007/s11858-016-0796-6 · Cited by 194
Effects of mental rotation training on children’s spatial and mathematics performance: A randomized controlled study
Hawes, Z. C. K., Moss, J., Caswell, B., & Poliszczuk, D. (2015) · Trends in Neuroscience and Education · doi:10.1016/j.tine.2015.05.001 · Cited by 179
Opening up Smart Cities: Citizen-Centric Challenges and Opportunities from GIScience
Degbelo, A., Granell, C., Trilles, S., Bhattacharya, D., Casteleyn, S., & Kray, C. (2016) · ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information · doi:10.3390/ijgi5020016 · Cited by 166
Examining the relations between spatial skills and mathematical performance: A meta-analysis
Atit, K., Power, J., Pigott, T., Lee, J., Geer, E. A., Uttal, D. H., Ganley, C. M., & Sorby, S. (2021) · Psychonomic Bulletin & Review · doi:10.3758/s13423-021-02012-w · Cited by 202
Learning about history in immersive virtual reality: does immersion facilitate learning?
Parong, J. A., & Mayer, R. E. (2021) · Educational Technology Research and Development · doi:10.1007/s11423-021-09999-y · Cited by 178
Gender Differences in Spatial Ability: Implications for STEM Education and Approaches to Reducing the Gender Gap for Parents and Educators
Reilly, D., Neumann, D. L., & Andrews, G. (2016) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-44385-0_10 · Cited by 156
Visuo-spatial ability in individuals with Down syndrome: Is it really a strength?
Yang, Y., Conners, F. A., & Merrill, E. C. (2014) · Research in Developmental Disabilities · doi:10.1016/j.ridd.2014.04.002 · Cited by 127
Combining geomorphometry, feature extraction techniques and Earth-surface processes research: The way forward
Sofia, G. (2020) · Geomorphology · doi:10.1016/j.geomorph.2020.107055 · Cited by 132
The role of 2D and 3D mental rotation in mathematics for young children: what is it? Why does it matter? And what can we do about it?
Bruce, C. D., & Hawes, Z. C. K. (2014) · ZDM · doi:10.1007/s11858-014-0637-4 · Cited by 123
Sex Differences in the Performance of 7–12 Year Olds on a Mental Rotation Task and the Relation With Arithmetic Performance
van Tetering, M. A. J., van der Donk, M. L. A., de Groot, R. H. M., & Jolles, J. (2019) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00107 · Cited by 123
Mental Rotation With Tangible Three‐Dimensional Objects: A New Measure Sensitive to Developmental Differences in 4‐ to 8‐Year‐Old Children
Hawes, Z. C. K., LeFevre, J., Xu, C., & Bruce, C. D. (2015) · Mind Brain and Education · doi:10.1111/mbe.12051 · Cited by 110
Radiofrequency denervation of the lumbar zygapophysial joints: 10-year prospective clinical audit.
Gofeld, M., Jain, J., & Faclier, G. (2007) · PubMed · Cited by 107
On the genesis of spatial-numerical associations: Evolutionary and cultural factors co-construct the mental number line
Toomarian, E. Y., & Hubbard, E. M. (2018) · Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews · doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.04.010 · Cited by 111
Effects of Integrating Physical Activities Into a Science Lesson on Preschool Children's Learning and Enjoyment
Mavilidi, M. F., Okely, A. D., Chandler, P., & PAAS, F. G. W. C. (2017) · Applied Cognitive Psychology · doi:10.1002/acp.3325 · Cited by 115
Computer-Guided Inquiry to Improve Science Learning
Linn, M. C., Gerard, L. F., Ryoo, K., McElhaney, K. W., Liu, O. L., & Rafferty, A. N. (2014) · Science · doi:10.1126/science.1245980 · Cited by 84
Visual form perception is fundamental for both reading comprehension and arithmetic computation
Cui, J., Zhang, Y., Wan, S., Chen, C., Zeng, J., & Zhou, X. (2019) · Cognition · doi:10.1016/j.cognition.2019.03.014 · Cited by 83
Spatial thinking in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics: Elementary teachers' beliefs, perceptions, and self‐efficacy
Gagnier, K. M., Holochwost, S. J., & Fisher, K. R. (2021) · Journal of Research in Science Teaching · doi:10.1002/tea.21722 · Cited by 97
Think3d!: Improving mathematics learning through embodied spatial training
Burte, H., Gardony, A. L., Hutton, A., & Taylor, H. A. (2017) · Cognitive Research Principles and Implications · doi:10.1186/s41235-017-0052-9 · Cited by 76
How Motion-Control Influences a VR-Supported Technology for Mental Rotation Learning: From the Perspectives of Playfulness, Gender Difference and Technology Acceptance Model
Lin, P.-H., & Yeh, S. (2019) · International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction · doi:10.1080/10447318.2019.1571784 · Cited by 67
Building bridges between psychological science and education: Cultural stereotypes, STEM, and equity
Master, A., & Meltzoff, A. N. (2016) · Prospects · doi:10.1007/s11125-017-9391-z · Cited by 81
The Effect of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Program on Students’ Achievement in Mathematics: A Meta-Analysis
Rosli, R., Siregar, N. C., Maat, S. M., & Capraro, M. M. (2019) · International Electronic Journal of Mathematics Education · doi:10.29333/iejme/5885 · Cited by 66
Which Cognitive Abilities Make the Difference? Predicting Academic Achievements in Advanced STEM Studies
Berkowitz, M., & Stern, E. (2018) · Journal of Intelligence · doi:10.3390/jintelligence6040048 · Cited by 79
Spatial thinking as the missing piece in mathematics curricula
Gilligan-Lee, K. A., Hawes, Z. C. K., & Mix, K. S. (2022) · npj Science of Learning · doi:10.1038/s41539-022-00128-9 · Cited by 64
Thinking spatially in the science classroom
Newcombe, N. S. (2016) · Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences · doi:10.1016/j.cobeha.2016.04.010 · Cited by 72
Multiple Representations in Computational Thinking Tasks: A Clinical Study of Second-Grade Students
Moore, T., Brophy, S. P., Tank, K., Lopez-Parra, R. D., Johnston, A. C., Hynes, M. M., & Gajdzik, E. (2020) · Journal of Science Education and Technology · doi:10.1007/s10956-020-09812-0 · Cited by 71
Connecting mathematics learning through spatial reasoning
Mulligan, J., Woolcott, G., Mitchelmore, M., & Davis, B. D. (2017) · Mathematics Education Research Journal · doi:10.1007/s13394-017-0210-x
Chilean kindergarten children’s beliefs about mathematics: Family matters.
del Río, M. F., Strasser, K., Cvencek, D., Susperreguy, M. I., & Meltzoff, A. N. (2018) · Developmental Psychology · doi:10.1037/dev0000658 · Cited by 67
Fostering spatial ability development in and for authentic STEM learning
Zhu, C., Leung, C. O.-Y., Lagoudaki, E., Velho, M., Caballero, N. S., Jolles, D., Duffy, G., Maresch, G., Pagkratidou, M., & Klapwijk, R. (2023) · Frontiers in Education · doi:10.3389/feduc.2023.1138607 · Cited by 69
Mental rotation training: transfer and maintenance effects on spatial abilities
Meneghetti, C., Borella, E., & Pazzaglia, F. (2015) · Psychological Research · doi:10.1007/s00426-014-0644-7 · Cited by 50
A review on complementary natures of tangible user interfaces (TUIs) and early spatial learning
Baykal, G. E., Alaca, I. V., Yantaç, A. E., & Göksun, T. (2018) · International Journal of Child-Computer Interaction · doi:10.1016/j.ijcci.2018.01.003 · Cited by 54
Phenotypic and genetic evidence for a unifactorial structure of spatial abilities
Rimfeld, K., Shakeshaft, N. G., Malanchini, M., Rodic, M., Selzam, S., Schofield, K. L., Dale, P. S., Kovas, Y. V., & Plomin, R. J. (2017) · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences · doi:10.1073/pnas.1607883114 · Cited by 49
Mental rotation and mathematics: Gender-stereotyped beliefs and relationships in primary school children
Moè, A. (2017) · Learning and Individual Differences · doi:10.1016/j.lindif.2017.12.002 · Cited by 56
The Impact of STEM Education on Mathematical Development in Children Aged 5-6 Years
He, X., Li, T., Turel, O., Kuang, Y., Zhao, H., & He, Q. (2021) · International Journal of Educational Research · doi:10.1016/j.ijer.2021.101795 · Cited by 48
Kindergarten students’ mathematics knowledge at work: the mathematics for programming robot toys
Shumway, J. F., Welch, L. E., Kozlowski, J. S., Clarke‐Midura, J., & Lee, V. R. (2021) · Mathematical Thinking and Learning · doi:10.1080/10986065.2021.1982666 · Cited by 62
Promotion of Spatial Skills in Chemistry and Biochemistry Education at the College Level
Oliver-Hoyo, M. T., & Babilonia‐Rosa, M. (2017) · Journal of Chemical Education · doi:10.1021/acs.jchemed.7b00094 · Cited by 47
Childhood preference for spatial toys. Gender differences and relationships with mental rotation in STEM and non-STEM students
Moè, A., Jansen, P., & Pietsch, S. (2018) · Learning and Individual Differences · doi:10.1016/j.lindif.2018.10.003 · Cited by 48
Causal Inference in Generalizable Environments: Systematic Representative Design
Miller, L. C., Shaikh, S. J., Jeong, D. C., Wang, L., Gillig, T. K., Godoy, C. G., Appleby, P. R., Corsbie-Massay, C. L., Marsella, S., Christensen, J. L., et al. (2019) · Psychological Inquiry · doi:10.1080/1047840x.2019.1693866 · Cited by 49
The role of practice and strategy in mental rotation training: transfer and maintenance effects
Meneghetti, C., Cardillo, R., Mammarella, I. C., Caviola, S., & Borella, E. (2016) · Psychological Research · doi:10.1007/s00426-016-0749-2 · Cited by 41
Individual difference predictors of learning and generalization in perceptual learning
Dale, G., Cochrane, A., & Green, C. S. (2021) · Attention Perception & Psychophysics · doi:10.3758/s13414-021-02268-3 · Cited by 38
Spatial Abilities for Architecture: Cross Sectional and Longitudinal Assessment With Novel and Existing Spatial Ability Tests
Berkowitz, M., Gerber, A., Thurn, C., Emo, B., Hölscher, C., & Stern, E. (2021) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.609363 · Cited by 40
Problematizing spatial literacy within the school curriculum
Lane, D., Lynch, R., & McGarr, O. (2018) · International Journal of Technology and Design Education · doi:10.1007/s10798-018-9467-y · Cited by 39
Teaching motivation and strategies to improve mental rotation abilities
Moè, A. (2016) · Intelligence · doi:10.1016/j.intell.2016.10.004 · Cited by 39
Does experience with spatial school subjects favour girls' mental rotation performance?
Moè, A. (2016) · Learning and Individual Differences · doi:10.1016/j.lindif.2015.12.007 · Cited by 38
Learning About Spatial and Temporal Scale: Current Research, Psychological Processes, and Classroom Implications
Cheek, K. A., LaDue, N., & Shipley, T. F. (2017) · Journal of Geoscience Education · doi:10.5408/16-213.1 · Cited by 37
The Interaction Between Spatial Reasoning Constructs and Mathematics Understandings in Elementary Classrooms
Lowrie, T. J., & Logan, T. (2018) · Research in mathematics education · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-98767-5_12 · Cited by 37
Defining and Measuring the Influences of GIS-Based Instruction on Students’ STEM-Relevant Reasoning
Jant, E. A., Uttal, D. H., Kolvoord, R. A., James, K., & Msall, C. (2019) · Journal of Geography · doi:10.1080/00221341.2019.1676819 · Cited by 34
Multimodal analysis of interaction data from embodied education technologies
Walkington, C., Nathan, M. J., Huang, W., Hunnicutt, J., & Washington, J. (2023) · Educational Technology Research and Development · doi:10.1007/s11423-023-10254-9 · Cited by 60
Robot programming intervention for promoting spatial relations, mental rotation and visual memory of kindergarten children
Brainin, E., Shamir, A., & Eden, S. (2021) · Journal of Research on Technology in Education · doi:10.1080/15391523.2020.1858464 · Cited by 31
Spatial Thinking in Term and Preterm-Born Preschoolers: Relations to Parent–Child Speech and Gesture
Clingan-Siverly, S., Nelson, P. M., Göksun, T., & Demir‐Lira, Ö. E. (2021) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.651678 · Cited by 31
Using design based research to shift perspectives: a model for sustainable professional development for the innovative use of digital tools
Fowler, S., & Leonard, S. N. (2021) · Professional Development in Education · doi:10.1080/19415257.2021.1955732 · Cited by 60
Bridging the gap: blending spatial skills instruction into a technology teacher preparation programme
Lane, D., & Sorby, S. (2021) · International Journal of Technology and Design Education · doi:10.1007/s10798-021-09691-5 · Cited by 29
Using a mobile Virtual Reality and computer game to improve visuospatial self-efficacy in middle school students
Kuznetcova, I., Glassman, M., Tilak, S., Wen, Z., Evans, M., Pelfrey, L., & Lin, T. (2022) · Computers & Education · doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2022.104660 · Cited by 39
Early insights into Piaget’s cognitive development model through the lens of the Technologies curriculum
Cerovac, M., & Keane, T. (2024) · International Journal of Technology and Design Education · doi:10.1007/s10798-024-09906-5 · Cited by 28
Mental representations derived from navigation: The role of visuo-spatial abilities and working memory
Meneghetti, C., Zancada-Menéndez, C., Sampedro‐Piquero, P., López, L., Martinelli, M., Ronconi, L., & Rossi, B. (2016) · Learning and Individual Differences · doi:10.1016/j.lindif.2016.07.002 · Cited by 34
Between the Big Trees: A Project-based Approach to Investigating Shape and Spatial Thinking in a Kindergarten Program
Cohrssen, C., Quadros-Wander, B. D., Page, J., & Klarin, S. (2017) · Australasian Journal of Early Childhood · doi:10.23965/ajec.42.1.11 · Cited by 28
Spatial Perspective-Taking in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Predictive Role of Visuospatial and Motor Abilities
Cardillo, R., Erbì, C., & Mammarella, I. C. (2020) · Frontiers in Human Neuroscience · doi:10.3389/fnhum.2020.00208 · Cited by 38
Longitudinal Associations Among Executive Function, Visuomotor Integration, and Achievement in a High‐Risk Sample
Brock, L. L., Kim, H., & Grissmer, D. W. (2018) · Mind Brain and Education · doi:10.1111/mbe.12164 · Cited by 28
From What Age Is Mental Rotation Training Effective? Differences in Preschool Age but Not in Sex
Fernández-Méndez, L. M., Contreras, M. J., & Elosúa, M. R. (2018) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00753 · Cited by 28
The role of spatial abilities in young children’s spatially-focused touchscreen game play
Polinsky, N., Flynn, R. M., Wartella, E. A., & Uttal, D. H. (2020) · Cognitive Development · doi:10.1016/j.cogdev.2020.100970 · Cited by 32
Exploring students’ procedural flexibility in three countries
Star, J. R., Tuomela, D., Prieto, N. J., Hästö, P., Palkki, R., Abánades, M. Á., Pejlare, J., Jiang, R., Li, L., & Liu, R. (2022) · International Journal of STEM Education · doi:10.1186/s40594-021-00322-y · Cited by 27
Making an impact: The effects of game making on creativity and spatial processing
Gallagher, D., & Grimm, L. R. (2018) · Thinking Skills and Creativity · doi:10.1016/j.tsc.2018.05.001 · Cited by 30
The Impact of Block Play on Children’s Early Mathematics Skills in Rural Papua New Guinea
Simoncini, K., Forndran, A., Manson, E., Sawi, J., Philip, M., & Kokinai, C. (2020) · International Journal of Early Childhood · doi:10.1007/s13158-020-00261-9 · Cited by 31
Cognitive Training: How Evidence, Controversies, and Challenges Inform Education Policy
Green, C. S., & Newcombe, N. S. (2020) · Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences · doi:10.1177/2372732219870202 · Cited by 26
Giant Maps as Pedagogical Tools for Teaching Geography and Mathematics
Anthamatten, P. J., Bryant, L. M. P., Ferrucci, B. J., Jennings, S., & Theobald, R. B. (2018) · Journal of Geography · doi:10.1080/00221341.2017.1413413 · Cited by 25
A Positive Relationship Between Sign Language Comprehension and Mental Rotation Abilities
Kubicek, E., & Quandt, L. C. (2020) · The Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education · doi:10.1093/deafed/enaa030 · Cited by 24
Assessing the Impact of Expectations in Cognitive Training and Beyond
Denkinger, S., Spano, L. P., Bingel, U., Witt, C. M., Bavelier, D., & Green, C. S. (2021) · Journal of Cognitive Enhancement · doi:10.1007/s41465-021-00206-7 · Cited by 26
Transfer from spatial education to verbal reasoning and prediction of transfer from learning-related neural change
Cortes, R. A., Peterson, E. G., Kraemer, D. J. M., Kolvoord, R. A., Uttal, D. H., Dinh, N., Weinberger, A. B., Daker, R. J., Lyons, I. M., Goldman, D. I., et al. (2022) · Science Advances · doi:10.1126/sciadv.abo3555 · Cited by 27
No Evidence for Expectation Effects in Cognitive Training Tasks
Vodyanyk, M. M., Cochrane, A., Corriveau, A., Demko, Z., & Green, C. S. (2021) · Journal of Cognitive Enhancement · doi:10.1007/s41465-021-00207-6 · Cited by 21
The relation of representational competence and conceptual knowledge in female and male undergraduates
Edelsbrunner, P. A., Malone, S., Hofer, S. I., Küchemann, S., Kuhn, J., Schmid, R., Altmeyer, K., Brünken, R., & Lichtenberger, A. (2023) · International Journal of STEM Education · doi:10.1186/s40594-023-00435-6 · Cited by 19
Using relevant animations to counter stereotype threat when learning science.
Sanchez, C. A., & Weber, K. (2019) · Journal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition · doi:10.1016/j.jarmac.2019.08.003 · Cited by 23
Three-Dimensional Printing Model Enhances Craniofacial Trauma Teaching by Improving Morphologic and Biomechanical Understanding: A Randomized Controlled Study
Nicot, R., Druelle, C., Chazard, E., Roland-Billecart, T., Nuytten, A., Richard, F., Dupré, A., Raoul, G., Ferri, J., Lacroix, D., et al. (2022) · Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery · doi:10.1097/prs.0000000000008869 · Cited by 20
Analysis of Spatial Concepts, Spatial Skills and Spatial Representations in New York State Regents Earth Science Examinations
Kastens, K. A., Pistolesi, L., & Passow, M. J. (2014) · Journal of Geoscience Education · doi:10.5408/13-104.1 · Cited by 20
Improving spatial working memory in blind and sighted youngsters using programmable tactile displays
Leo, F., Tinti, C., Chiesa, S., Cavaglià, R., Schmidt, S., Cocchi, E., & Brayda, L. G. (2018) · SAGE Open Medicine · doi:10.1177/2050312118820028 · Cited by 23
Sex Differences in Brain and Behavioral Development
Beltz, A. M., Blakemore, J. E., & Berenbaum, S. A. (2013) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-397267-5.00064-9 · Cited by 21
Gender differences in mental rotation in Oman and Germany
Jansen, P., Zayed, K. N., & Osmann, R. (2016) · Learning and Individual Differences · doi:10.1016/j.lindif.2016.08.033 · Cited by 20
Does learning to code influence cognitive skills of elementary school children? Findings from a randomized experiment
Özcan, M. Ş., Çetinkaya, E., Göksun, T., & Kisbu‐Sakarya, Y. (2021) · British Journal of Educational Psychology · doi:10.1111/bjep.12429 · Cited by 26
Reading and mathematics equally important to science achievement: Results from nationally-representative data
Barnard-Brak, L. M., Stevens, T., & Ritter, W. A. (2017) · Learning and Individual Differences · doi:10.1016/j.lindif.2017.07.001 · Cited by 20
Improving diagrammatic reasoning in middle school science using conventions of diagrams instruction
Miller, B., Cromley, J. G., & Newcombe, N. S. (2016) · Journal of Computer Assisted Learning · doi:10.1111/jcal.12143 · Cited by 18
Gender perspectives on spatial tasks in a national assessment: a secondary data analysis
Logan, T., & Lowrie, T. J. (2017) · Research in Mathematics Education · doi:10.1080/14794802.2017.1334577 · Cited by 18
Sex differences in brain and behavioral development
Beltz, A. M., Kelly, D. P., & Berenbaum, S. A. (2020) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-814411-4.00027-5 · Cited by 21
Visual Literacy in Preservice Teachers: a Case Study in Biology
Ruíz-Gallardo, J.-R., Fernández, B. G., & Jiménez, A. M. (2017) · Research in Science Education · doi:10.1007/s11165-017-9634-2 · Cited by 18
The Geospatial Semester: Concurrent Enrollment in Geospatial Technologies
Kolvoord, R. A., Keranen, K., & Rittenhouse, S. (2018) · Journal of Geography · doi:10.1080/00221341.2018.1483961 · Cited by 18
The correlates of statistics anxiety: Relationships with spatial anxiety, mathematics anxiety and gender
Gibeau, R.-M., Maloney, E. A., Béland, S., Lalande, D. R., Cantinotti, M. A., Williot, A., Chanquoy, L., Simon, J., Boislard, M.-A., & Cousineau, D. (2023) · Journal of Numerical Cognition · doi:10.5964/jnc.8199 · Cited by 25
What Innovations Have We Already Lost?: The Importance of Identifying and Developing Spatial Talent
Wai, J., & Kell, H. J. (2016) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-44385-0_6 · Cited by 17
3DnST: A Framework Towards Understanding Children’s Interaction with Tinkercad and Enhancing Spatial Thinking Skills
Bhaduri, S., Biddy, Q. L., Bush, J. B., Suresh, A., & Sumner, T. (2021) · ACM International Conference on Interaction Design and Children (IDC) · doi:10.1145/3459990.3460717 · Cited by 16
Using eye gaze to reveal cognitive processes and strategies of engineering students when solving spatial rotation and mental cutting tasks
Hsing, H.-W., Bairaktarova, D., & Lau, N. (2022) · Journal of Engineering Education · doi:10.1002/jee.20495 · Cited by 18
Model Pembelajaran EarthComm pada Mata Pelajaran Geografi: Pengaruhnya terhadap Kemampuan Berpikir Spasial Siswa SMA
Nisa, K., Soekamto, H., Wagistina, S., & Suharto, Y. (2021) · Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan Profesi Guru · doi:10.23887/jippg.v4i3.40031 · Cited by 16
Testing block play as an effective mechanism for promoting early math, executive function, and spatial skills in preschoolers from low-income backgrounds
Schmitt, S. A., Purpura, D. J., Duncan, R. J., Bryant, L. M., Zehner, T. M., Devlin, B. L., Geer, E. A., & Paes, T. M. (2024) · Early Childhood Research Quarterly · doi:10.1016/j.ecresq.2024.12.011 · Cited by 15
Can a Domain-General Spatial Intervention Facilitate Children’s Science Learning? A Lesson From Astronomy
Bower, C. A., & Liben, L. S. (2020) · Child Development · doi:10.1111/cdev.13439 · Cited by 16
Bounded learning progressions: a framework to capture young children’s development of mathematical activity in play-based contexts
Cutting, C., & Lowrie, T. J. (2022) · Mathematics Education Research Journal · doi:10.1007/s13394-022-00424-y · Cited by 20
Gender difference on spatial visualization by college students’ major types as STEM and non-STEM: a meta-analysis
Lee, Y., Capraro, R. M., & Biçer, A. (2019) · International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology · doi:10.1080/0020739x.2019.1640398 · Cited by 15
Malleability of spatial skills: bridging developmental psychology and toy design for joyful STEAM development
İleri, Ç. İ., Erşan, M., Kalaça, D., Coşkun, A., Göksun, T., & Küntay, A. C. (2023) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1137003 · Cited by 20
Supporting Young Children’s Spatial Understanding: Examining Toddlers’ Experiences with Contents and Containers
Uhlenberg, J. M., & Geiken, R. (2020) · Early Childhood Education Journal · doi:10.1007/s10643-020-01050-8 · Cited by 14

Authors: Uttal, D. H., Miller, D. I., & Newcombe, N. S.
Affiliations: Northwestern University (US)
Temple University (US)
ORCID: Uttal, David H.
Miller, David I.
Newcombe, Nora S.
Venue: Current Directions in Psychological Science
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Published: 2013-09-25
Volume: 22
Issue: 5
Pages: 367-373
ISSN: 0963-7214 (ISSN-L)
1467-8721
DOI: 10.1177/0963721413484756
OpenAlex: W2164574416
Cited by: 297
References: 31
Citations by year: 2026: 22 · 2025: 20 · 2024: 25 · 2023: 25 · 2022: 24 · 2021: 37 · 2020: 35 · 2019: 24 · 2018: 26 · 2017: 23 · 2016: 18 · 2015: 10 · 2014: 5 · 2013: 2
FWCI: 18.17
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Licence: journals.sagepub.com/page/policies/text-and-data-mining-license (tdm)
Locations: Current Directions in Psychological Science (publishedVersion)
Funders: National Science Foundation
U.S. Department of Education
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Spatial Cognition and Navigation
Social Sciences › Geography, Planning and Development › Geography Education and Pedagogy
Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Cognitive and developmental aspects of mathematical skills
Keywords: spatial thinking, spatial training, STEM achievement, transfer of training, STEM education, cognitive skills, STEM careers

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review

Exploring and Enhancing Spatial Thinking: Links to Achievement in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics?

Abstract

Overview

Integrity signals

Verification

Claims the paper makes

Claims other papers make about this one

Citations

Cites

Cited by

Related

Metadata

Record

About these checks