Spatial Experiences of High Academic Achievers

Abstract

The study explored the relationship between types of spatial experiences and spatial abilities among 13- to 14-year-old high academic achievers. Each participant completed two spatial tasks and a survey assessing favored spatial activities across five categories (computers, toys, sports, music, and art) and three developmental periods (early childhood, middle childhood, and adolescence). The first phase of analysis determined the percentage of favorite activities by category and developmental period; the second phase examined how participants with the highest scores on each spatial measure differed in their experiences. Findings showed that certain activities (e.g., playing video games and soccer) tended to reemerge across periods and be linked to strong spatial skills. Implications for nurturing high achievers’ potential to succeed in spatially demanding careers are discussed.