The implications for academic attainment of perceived gender-appropriateness upon spatial task performance

Reflection-Impulsivity Assessed Through Performance Differences in a Computerized Spatial Task

This study focuses on performance differences individuals show when solving a computerized spatial-orientation dynamic task, irrespective of their cognitive ability. The hypothesis tested was that differences in performance reflect individuals’ cognitive style: Reflection-Impulsivity. The Spatial Orientation Dynamic Task-Revised (SODT-R) and the Analytical, Sequential, and Inductive Reasoning Test (TRASI) were administered to 541 postgraduate participants, as part of the selection process they were following. Reflection-Impulsivity was measured through average response latency and average error score comprising three groups: impulsive, reflective, and medium. Performance was measured by mean response frequency, quality proportion of the first press, and mean invested time. Data were analyzed through discriminant analysis. Criterion variable was Reflection-Impulsivity groups and discriminant variables were performance ones, plus intelligence. Results show different performance patterns clearly associated with Reflection-Impulsivity (canonical correlation = .63). Intelligence played a small role in the differentiation between groups. Findings support the proposal to use spatial orientation tasks as vehicles to measure cognitive style Reflection-Impulsivity in adults. We finally discuss performance patterns as a pathway to ways of acquiring and processing spatial information for impulsives and reflexives, with similar cognitive resources.

Digit ratio and faculty membership: implications for the relationship between prenatal testosterone and academia

Digit ratio (length of index finger divided by length of ring finger) is an index of exposure to prenatal testosterone. Prenatal testosterone slows the growth rate of the left side of the brain while enhancing growth of the right side. Right hemisphere processing is associated with better visual-spatial and mathematical abilities, as is digit ratio. Thus, traditional sex differences in visual-spatial and mathematical abilities can be attributed to differences in exposure to prenatal testosterone, indexed by a sex dimorphic pattern in digit ratio (female=1.00, male=0.98 for UK samples). Additionally, the digit ratio is a marker for within-sex variance in visual-spatial ability. This study examines the digit ratio of an academic sample. No sex differences are found and there is a significant difference between the Science Faculty and Social Science Faculty. Social Scientists of both sexes have a ratio consistent with the male norm (0.98) whilst Scientists have a digit ratio consistent with the female norm (1.00). These results are discussed in terms of the lower normal range of male testosterone being associated with highest visual spatial abilities. Relationships with fertility and Dyslexia are also identified.

Gender Differences in Writing Motivation and Achievement of Middle School Students: A Function of Gender Orientation?

The aim of this study was to determine whether gender differences in the writing motivation and achievement of middle school students (N = 497) are a function of gender-stereotypic beliefs rather than of gender. Girls reported stronger writing self-efficacy, writing self-concept, self-efficacy for self-regulation, value of writing, and task goals, and they received higher grades in language arts. Boys reported stronger performance-approach goals. All gender differences favoring girls in writing motivation and achievement were rendered nonsignificant when feminine orientation beliefs were controlled. Findings suggest that a feminine orientation is adaptive in the area of writing, whereas a masculine orientation is beneficial when escorted by a feminine orientation. Results are interpreted from the perspective of A. Bandura's (1986) social cognitive theory. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.