scholarly journals Evidence for a unitary structure of spatial cognition beyond general intelligence

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margherita Malanchini ◽  
Kaili Rimfeld ◽  
Nicholas G. Shakeshaft ◽  
Andrew McMillan ◽  
Kerry L. Schofield ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Ability ◽  
Spatial Orientation ◽  
Genetic Network ◽  
Spatial Abilities ◽  
General Factor ◽  
Map Reading ◽  
Object Based ◽  
High Heritability ◽  
Genetic And Environmental Factors

ABSTRACTPerformance in everyday spatial orientation tasks (e.g. map reading and navigation) has been considered functionally separate from performance on more abstract object-based spatial abilities (e.g. mental rotation and visualization). However, evidence remains scarce and unsystematic. With a novel gamified battery, we assessed six tests of spatial orientation in a virtual environment and examined their association with ten object-based spatial tests, as well as their links to general cognitive ability (g). We further estimated the role of genetic and environmental factors in underlying variation and covariation in these spatial tests. Participants (N = 2,660) were part of the Twins Early Development Study, aged 19 to 22. The 6 tests of spatial orientation clustered into a single ‘Navigation’ factor that was 64% heritable. Examining the structure of spatial ability across all 16 tests, three factors emerged: Navigation, Object Manipulation and Visualization. These, in turn, loaded strongly onto a general factor of Spatial Ability, which was highly heritable (84%). A large portion (45%) of this high heritability was independent of g. The results from this most comprehensive investigation of spatial abilities to date point towards the existence of a common genetic network that supports all spatial abilities.

User’s Experience with a 3D Educational Mobile Game to Support Spatial Instruction

2013 ◽  
pp. 261-273
Author(s):  
Norena Martin-Dorta ◽  
Isabel Sanchez-Berriel ◽  
Jose Luis Saorin ◽  
Manuel Contero
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Ability ◽  
Computer Games ◽  
Spatial Abilities ◽  
User Evaluation ◽  
Spatial Skills ◽  
Mobile Game ◽  
3D Environment ◽  
Critical Skills

Spatial abilities are critical skills in scientific and technical fields. In recent studies, the role of computer games, particularly those with 3-D simulations, have been examined for their impact on the development of spatial skills. The work presented in this chapter describes the design and user evaluation of a 3D construction mobile game called iCube. A trial version was brought out and evaluated by twenty-two students. Users pointed out that the game is useful for improvement of spatial ability and is fun. However, some difficulties arose with use of the tactile screen, as fingerprints caused problems while interacting with the game’s 3D environment. The results revealed that it is necessary to have this item in mind during the game’s design, where screen action is continuous.

scholarly journals Phenotypic and genetic evidence for a unifactorial structure of spatial abilities

2017 ◽  
Vol 114 (10) ◽  
pp. 2777-2782 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaili Rimfeld ◽  
Nicholas G. Shakeshaft ◽  
Margherita Malanchini ◽  
Maja Rodic ◽  
Saskia Selzam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Ability ◽  
Genetic Architecture ◽  
Spatial Abilities ◽  
Multivariate Approach ◽  
Life Outcomes ◽  
Good Target ◽  
Ability Factor ◽  
High Heritability ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Gene Hunting

Spatial abilities encompass several skills differentiable from general cognitive ability (g). Importantly, spatial abilities have been shown to be significant predictors of many life outcomes, even after controlling forg.To date, no studies have analyzed the genetic architecture of diverse spatial abilities using a multivariate approach. We developed “gamified” measures of diverse putative spatial abilities. The battery of 10 tests was administered online to 1,367 twin pairs (age 19–21) from the UK-representative Twins Early Development Study (TEDS). We show that spatial abilities constitute a single factor, both phenotypically and genetically, even after controlling forg. This spatial ability factor is highly heritable (69%). We draw three conclusions: (i) The high heritability of spatial ability makes it a good target for gene-hunting research; (ii) some genes will be specific to spatial ability, independent ofg; and (iii) these genes will be associated with all components of spatial ability.

Comparison of Static Perspective Views and 2D Maps – the Role of Age, Spatial Abilities, and Task Nature

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lukáš Hermann ◽  
Martina Faltejsková ◽  
Zdeněk Stachoň
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Ability ◽  
Perspective Taking ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Spatial Abilities ◽  
Thematic Maps ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Two Age Groups ◽  
And Task

In this study, we focus on the usability of pseudo-3D thematic maps (static perspective views) compared with their conventional 2D equivalents. A total of 105 study participants were divided into two groups (12–19 years old and 20–27 years old). A Perspective Taking Test measured their spatial abilities and each participant solved 15 tasks using four thematic maps. We compared map variants to determine which is more suitable for individual tasks. We then examined the differences between the two age groups and tried to find any relationship between the user’s spatial abilities and the number of correct answers. We observed a significant difference regarding the map’s visualization dimension only in one particular task and significant differences between the age groups when they worked with 2D maps. We found a positive correlation between the participant’s level of spatial ability and the number of correct answers.

ANALISIS KEMAMPUAN SPASIAL MATEMATIS DITINJAU DARI PERBEDAAN GENDER SISWA KELAS VIII

Factor M ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kamila Ismi ◽  
Al Kusaeri ◽  
Kiki Riska Ayu Kurniawati ◽  
Habib Ratu Perwira Negara
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Ability ◽  
Spatial Orientation ◽  
Spatial Relation ◽  
Spatial Relations ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Spatial Abilities ◽  
Technical Data ◽  
Eighth Grade Students ◽  
Class Viii ◽  
Male Subjects

ABSTRAKPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan kemampuan spasial matematis siswa yang ditinjau berdasarkan perbedaan gender pada pelajaran matematika Pokok Bahasan Bangun Ruang Sisi Datar kelas VIII. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah siswa kelas VIII SMP Negeri 2 Praya. Subjek penelitian ini adalah 4 orang siswa dari 27 siswa kelas VIII dengan ketentuan 2 subjek bergender laki-laki dan 2 subjek bergender perempuan yang memiliki kemampuan spasial matematis tertinggi dari semua siswa. Instrumen yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah tes kemampuan spasial matematis dan wawancara. Teknis analisis data dilakukan dengan cara mereduksi data, menyajikan data, dan menarik kesimpulan. Pengecekan keabsahan data menggunakan triangulasi teknik. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pada kemampuan spasial visualization subjek laki-laki dan subjek perempuan memiliki kemampuan yang sama ditunjukkan dari kemampuan dalam menentukan komposisi suatu objek setelah dimanipulasi posisi dan bentuknya. Sedangkan dalam menyelesakan masalah yang terkait dengan spatial orientation dan spatial relation subjek laki-laki lebih dominan menggunakan kemampuan spasialnya dibandingkan subjek perempuan.Kata Kunci: Gender, Kemampuan Spasial Matematis ABSTRACTThis study aims to describe the students' mathematical spatial abilities based on gender differences in the VIII grade Mathematics subject. The population in this study were eighth grade students of SMP Negeri 2 Praya. The subjects of this study were 4 students from 27 students of class VIII with the provisions of 2 male gender subjects and 2 female gender subjects who had the highest mathematical spatial ability of all students. The instruments used in this study were tests of mathematical spatial abilities and interviews. Technical data analysis is done by reducing data, presenting data, and drawing conclusions. Checking the validity of the data using triangulation techniques. The results showed that the spatial visualization ability of male subjects and female subjects had the same ability as indicated by the ability to determine the composition of an object after being manipulated in its position and shape. Meanwhile, in solving problems related to spatial orientation and spatial relations, male subjects are more dominant in using their spatial abilities than female subjects.KeywordsGender, Mathematical Spatial Ability

scholarly journals The role of the KIBRA and APOE genes in developing spatial abilities in humans

2022 ◽  
Vol 25 (8) ◽  
pp. 839-846
Author(s):  
A. V. Kazantseva ◽  
R. F. Enikeeva ◽  
Yu. D. Davydova ◽  
R. N. Mustafin ◽  
Z. R. Takhirova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Mental Rotation ◽  
Spatial Ability ◽  
Association Studies ◽  
Spatial Abilities ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Genome Wide Association Studies ◽  
Gene Environment

In the contemporary high-tech society, spatial abilities predict individual life and professional success, especially in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines. According to neurobiological hypotheses, individual differences in cognitive abilities may be attributed to the functioning of genes involved in the regulation of neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity. In addition, genome-wide association studies identified rs17070145 located in the KIBRA gene, which was associated with individual differences in episodic memory. Considering a significant role of genetic and environmental components in cognitive functioning, the present study aimed to estimate the main effect of NGF (rs6330), NRXN1 (rs1045881, rs4971648), KIBRA (rs17070145), NRG1 (rs6994992), BDNF (rs6265), GRIN2B (rs3764030), APOE (rs7412, rs429358), and SNAP25 (rs363050) gene polymorphisms and to assess the effect of gene-environment interactions on individual differences in spatial ability in individuals without cognitive decline aged 18–25 years (N = 1011, 80 % women). Spatial abilities were measured using a battery of cognitive tests including the assessment of “3D shape rotation” (mental rotation). Multiple regression analysis, which was carried out in the total sample controlling for sex, ethnicity and the presence of the “risk” APOE ε4 allele, demonstrated the association of the rs17070145 Т-allele in the KIBRA gene with enhanced spatial ability (β = 1.32; pFDR = 0.037) compared to carriers of the rs17070145 CC-genotype. The analysis of gene-environment interactions revealed that nicotine smoking (β = 3.74; p = 0.010) and urban/rural residency in childhood (β = –6.94; p = 0.0002) modulated the association of KIBRA rs17070145 and АРОЕ (rs7412, rs429358) gene variants with individual differences in mental rotation, respectively. The data obtained confirm the effect of the KIBRA rs17070145 Т-allele on improved cognitive functioning and for the first time evidence the association of the mentioned genetic variant with spatial abilities in humans. A “protective” effect of the APOE ε2 allele on enhanced cognitive functioning is observed only under certain conditions related to childhood rearing.

The Role of the Endothelium in Premature Atherosclerosis: Molecular Mechanisms

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (7) ◽  
pp. 1041-1051 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Spartalis ◽  
Eleftherios Spartalis ◽  
Antonios Athanasiou ◽  
Stavroula A. Paschou ◽  
Christos Kontogiannis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Number Of Genes ◽  
Causes Of Mortality ◽  
Artery Disease ◽  
Genetic And Environmental Factors ◽  
Made In

Atherosclerotic disease is still one of the leading causes of mortality. Atherosclerosis is a complex progressive and systematic artery disease that involves the intima of the large and middle artery vessels. The inflammation has a key role in the pathophysiological process of the disease and the infiltration of the intima from monocytes, macrophages and T-lymphocytes combined with endothelial dysfunction and accumulated oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) are the main findings of atherogenesis. The development of atherosclerosis involves multiple genetic and environmental factors. Although a large number of genes, genetic polymorphisms, and susceptible loci have been identified in chromosomal regions associated with atherosclerosis, it is the epigenetic process that regulates the chromosomal organization and genetic expression that plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Despite the positive progress made in understanding the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, the knowledge about the disease remains scarce.

A Developmental Perspective on the Genetic Basis of Alcohol Use Disorder

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa M. Trucco ◽  
Gabriel L. Schlomer ◽  
Brian M. Hicks
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Alcohol Use Disorder ◽  
Developmental Perspective ◽  
Relative Contribution ◽  
Intermediate Phenotypes ◽  
Problematic Alcohol ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Genetic And Environmental Factors ◽  
Problematic Alcohol Use

Approximately 48–66% of the variation in alcohol use disorders is heritable. This chapter provides an overview of the genetic influences that contribute to alcohol use disorder within a developmental perspective. Namely, risk for problematic alcohol use is framed as a function of age-related changes in the relative contribution of genetic and environmental factors and an end state of developmental processes. This chapter discusses the role of development in the association between genes and the environment on risk for alcohol use disorder. Designs used to identify genetic factors relevant to problematic alcohol use are discussed. Studies examining developmental pathways to alcohol use disorder with a focus on endophenotypes and intermediate phenotypes are reviewed. Finally, areas for further investigation are offered.

scholarly journals Learning by Doing: The Use of Distance, Corners and Length in Rewarded Geometric Tasks by Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 2001
Author(s):  
Greta Baratti ◽  
Angelo Rizzo ◽  
Maria Elena Miletto Petrazzini ◽  
Valeria Anna Sovrano
Keyword(s):  
Danio Rerio ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Reference Memory ◽  
Spatial Abilities ◽  
Learning By Doing ◽  
Surface Distance ◽  
Extended Surfaces ◽  
Unequal Length ◽  
Over Time

Zebrafish spontaneously use distance and directional relationships among three-dimensional extended surfaces to reorient within a rectangular arena. However, they fail to take advantage of either an array of freestanding corners or an array of unequal-length surfaces to search for a no-longer-present goal under a spontaneous cued memory procedure, being unable to use the information supplied by corners and length without some kind of rewarded training. The present study aimed to tease apart the geometric components characterizing a rectangular enclosure under a procedure recruiting the reference memory, thus training zebrafish in fragmented layouts that provided differences in surface distance, corners, and length. Results showed that fish, besides the distance, easily learned to use both corners and length if subjected to a rewarded exit task over time, suggesting that they can represent all the geometrically informative parts of a rectangular arena when consistently exposed to them. Altogether, these findings highlight crucially important issues apropos the employment of different behavioral protocols (spontaneous choice versus training over time) to assess spatial abilities of zebrafish, further paving the way to deepen the role of visual and nonvisual encodings of isolated geometric components in relation to macrostructural boundaries.

The Role of Visual and Auditory Communication in the Performance of a Joint Team Task

2021 ◽  
pp. 001872082110310
Author(s):  
Adam F. Werner ◽  
Jamie C. Gorman
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Ability ◽  
Visual Cues ◽  
Motor Task ◽  
Auditory Cues ◽  
Multiple Resource Theory ◽  
Coupling Mode ◽  
Multiple Resource ◽  
Auditory Cueing ◽  
Performance Trial

Objective This study examines visual, auditory, and the combination of both (bimodal) coupling modes in the performance of a two-person perceptual-motor task, in which one person provides the perceptual inputs and the other the motor inputs. Background Parking a plane or landing a helicopter on a mountain top requires one person to provide motor inputs while another person provides perceptual inputs. Perceptual inputs are communicated either visually, auditorily, or through both cues. Methods One participant drove a remote-controlled car around an obstacle and through a target, while another participant provided auditory, visual, or bimodal cues for steering and acceleration. Difficulty was manipulated using target size. Performance (trial time, path variability), cue rate, and spatial ability were measured. Results Visual coupling outperformed auditory coupling. Bimodal performance was best in the most difficult task condition but also high in the easiest condition. Cue rate predicted performance in all coupling modes. Drivers with lower spatial ability required a faster auditory cue rate, whereas drivers with higher ability performed best with a lower rate. Conclusion Visual cues result in better performance when only one coupling mode is available. As predicted by multiple resource theory, when both cues are available, performance depends more on auditory cueing. In particular, drivers must be able to transform auditory cues into spatial actions. Application Spotters should be trained to provide an appropriate cue rate to match the spatial ability of the driver or pilot. Auditory cues can enhance visual communication when the interpersonal task is visual with spatial outputs.

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