The Relation between Sign Language Skill and Spatial Visualization Ability: Mental Rotation of Three-Dimensional Objects

Abstract

The present study was designed to ascertain whether a relationship exists between the experience of an individual in American Sign Language (ASL) and performance on the Mental Rotations Test. 51 women were divided into three groups on the basis of self-reported ASL skill (years of experience). All subjects then completed the Mental Rotations Test, a paper-and-pencil test of spatial ability. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was also administered to examine possible apprehension about evaluation. Significant differences in scores on mental rotations were found, with 18 experienced signers scoring significantly higher than either mean of the two less experienced groups ( ns = 16 and 17). It appears that people experienced in ASL perform better on the Mental Rotations Test. No evidence for a difference in anxiety related to the amount of experience a person had in ASL was found.