An Examination of Spatial Ability in Relation to Factors from the BEM Sex-Role Inventory

Abstract

As the relationship between global sex-role classifications and spatial ability has yielded conflicting results, the present study examined factors embedded within a sex-role inventory for relationships to differences in spatial performance. The Bern Sex-role Inventory and two tests of spatial ability (Piagetian water level task and Paper-folding Test) were administered to 86 girls and 39 boys in the fall of 1981. While differences in spatial ability of boys and girls were significant, differentiation for masculine, feminine, and androgynous subjects was not obtained. Masculine and feminine items from Bern's inventory along with both scores on spatial tasks were subjected to factor analysis using the principal factor procedure followed by varimax rotation. The analysis yielded 11 factors which accounted for 68% of the total variance. Three masculine factors (dominance, independence, and competitiveness) and one feminine factor (concern for others) emerged. Contrary to what was anticipated, none of the factors was associated with spatial ability.