Sex difference on spatial skill test linked to brain structure

December 18, 2008

Men consistently outperform women on spatial tasks, including mental rotation, which is the ability to identify how a 3-D object would appear if rotated in space. Now, a University of Iowa study shows a connection between this sex-linked ability and the structure of the parietal lobe, the brain region that controls this type of skill.

The parietal lobe was already known to differ between men and women, with women's parietal lobes having proportionally thicker cortexes or "grey matter." But this difference was never linked back to actual performance differences on the mental rotation test.

UI researchers found that a thicker cortex in the parietal lobe in women is associated with poorer mental rotation ability, and in a new structural discovery, that the surface area of the parietal lobe is increased in men, compared to women. Moreover, in men, the greater parietal lobe surface area is directly related to better performance on mental rotation tasks. The study results were published online Nov. 5 by the journal Brain and Cognition.

"Differences in parietal lobe activation have been seen in other studies. This study represents the first time we have related specific structural differences in the parietal lobe to sex-linked performances on a mental rotation test," said Tim Koscik, the study's lead author and a graduate student in the University of Iowa Neuroscience Graduate Program. "It's important to note that it isn't that women cannot do the mental rotation tasks, but they appear to do them slower, and neither men nor women perform the tasks perfectly."

The study was based on tests of 76 healthy Caucasian volunteers -- 38 women and 38 men, all right-handed except for two men. The groups were matched for age, education, IQ and socioeconomic upbringing. When tested on mental rotation tasks, men averaged 66 percent correct compared to 53 percent correct for women. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an approximately 10 percent difference between men and women in the overall amount of parietal lobe surface area: 43 square centimeters for men and 40 square centimeters for women.

"It's likely that the larger surface area in men's parietal lobes leads to an increase in functional columns, which are the processing unit in the cortex," said Koscik. "This may represent a specialization for certain spatial abilities in men."

The findings underscore the fact that not only is the brain structure different between men and women but also the way the brain performs a task is different, said Peg Nopoulos, M.D., a study co-author and professor of psychiatry and pediatrics at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine.

"One possible explanation is that the different brain structures allow for different strategies used by men and women. While men appear able to globally rotate an object in space, women seem to do it piecemeal. The strategy is inefficient but it may be the approach they need to take," said Nopoulos, who also is a psychiatrist with University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

"The big question remains whether this is nature or nurture. On the one hand, boys, compared to girls, may have opportunities to cultivate this skill, but if we eventually see both a strong performance and parietal lobe structural difference in children, it would support a biological, not just environmental, effect," Nopoulos added.

University of Iowa

---

---

	Succeed at IQ Tests: Improve Your Numerical, Verbal and Spatial Reasoning Skills by Philip Carter (Author), Ken Russell (Author) IQ tests are a common feature of both the educational system and recruitment and selection procedures. Practicing the different types of tests can improve one's verbal, numerical, and spatial reasoning skills, boost confidence and improve IQ rating. Succeed at IQ Tests contains 400 questions, typical of those likely to appear in actual IQ tests. The questions are organized into 10 timed tests of 40 questions each. Each test includes a guide for scoring the results. In addition to providing practice for IQ test candidates, Succeed at IQ Tests provides readers with plenty of opportunity to exercise their minds for entertainment.
	Blocks and Beyond: Strengthening Early Math and Science Skills Through Spatial Learning by Mary Jo Pollman (Author) Teach spatial skills to young children-and improve their overall academic outcomes! This innovative teaching resource has the research-based insights and practical activities early childhood educators need to promote spatial development throughout the school day.
	GIS Tutorial 2: Spatial Analysis Workbook by David W. Allen (Author) Updated for ArcGIS Desktop 10, GIS Tutorial 2: Spatial Analysis Workbook offers hands-on exercises to help GIS users at the intermediate level continue to build problem-solving and analysis skills. Inspired by the ESRI Guide to GIS Analysis book series, GIS Tutorial 2 provides a system for GIS users to develop proficiency in various spatial analysis methods, including location analysis; change over time, location, and value comparisons; geographic distribution; pattern analysis; and cluster identification. Whether used in combination with the ESRI Guide to GIS Analysis books or by itself, GIS Tutorial 2 is the perfect tool for anyone who is ready to take their knowledge of GIS to the next level. A DVD of data for working throung the exercises and a fully functioning 180-day trial version...
	IQ and Aptitude Tests: Assess your verbal, numerical, and spatial reasoning skills by Philip Carter (Author) An aptitude test is designed to measure your potential for achievement, whilst an IQ test is a standardized test designed to measure intelligence. You are now increasingly likely to encounter both types of test in recruitment, selection and assessment procedures. IQ and Aptitude Tests contains 400 brand new practice questions together with answers, explanations, and a guide to assessing performance. The questions are organized into four IQ tests together with verbal, spatial, and numerical aptitude tests. These include tests of word meanings, grammar and comprehension, advanced verbal aptitude, logical analysis, mental arithmetic, numerical sequences, and number problems. Invaluable to those who are faced with an aptitude or IQ test, this book will also help anyone to improve their...
	Building Competences for Spatial Planners: Methods and Techniques for Performing Tasks with Efficiency (Natural and Built Environment Series) by Anastassios Perdicoulis (Author) Spatial planning is a process. The focus of this book is on the sequence of key tasks that constitute the process and on special techniques that are suitable to conduct these tasks. Spatial planners require a number of skills to manage this process in an efficient manner, select the necessary tasks for each specific planning context, as well as the appropriate techniques for each task – always considering the people with whom and for whom they plan. Rather than recommending options, or ‘recipes’, this book stimulates critical thinking and questioning: What do we want to achieve? How can we do that? What options do we have? Which option is the best for our case? This book contains enough planning theory to discuss the function of the planner and the alternative approaches, as well as...
	Children's Searching: The Development of Search Skill and Spatial Representation by H. M. Wellman (Editor)
	Introduction to 3D Spatial Visualization: An Active Approach (Book & CD) by Sheryl Sorby (Author), Anne Francis Wysocki (Author), Beverly J. Baartmans (Author) Take advantage of the power of technology to develop 3D spatial visualization skills and minimize the learning curve! This revolutionary multimedia CD-ROM and its companion workbook are aimed at helping users develop the skills they need for success in a variety of technical careers, including: engineering, architecture, medicine, computer database operation, chemistry, and more. Nine fun, easy-to-use modules provide first-hand experience in working with isometric drawings, orthographic projections, reflections and symmetry, surfaces and solids of revolution, plus combining solids. Each module consists of a multimedia software component, as well as a workbook component, enabling users to learn by doing. Whether integrated into courses that require extensive 3D spatial visualization, or...
	Essential Study Skills by Linda Wong (Author) For students who need to develop the study skills required to successfully complete their college education--whether they attend a two- or four-year college or they are adult learners--ESSENTIAL STUDY SKILLS, 7th Edition, is their guide to success. Featuring the essential learning strategies for becoming a better student, this book helps students learn how to prepare for class, develop textbook reading strategies, use effective note-taking techniques, strengthen their test-taking skills, and carry their skills forward. ESSENTIAL STUDY SKILLS, 7th Edition, adapts to any learning style and offers a step-by-step approach and numerous opportunities for practice throughout the textbook and accompanying website. The fresh four-color design and streamlined look engage students and emphasize the...
	IQ and Aptitude Tests: Assess Your Verbal, Numerical and Spatial Reasoning Skills (Careers & Testing) by Philip Carter (Author) IQ and Aptitude Tests contains 400 practice questions along with answers, explanations, and a guide to assessing performance. The questions are organized into four IQ tests together with verbal, spatial, and numerical aptitude tests. These include tests of word meanings, grammar and comprehension, advanced verbal aptitude, logical analysis, mental arithmetic, numerical sequences, and number problems.  This book will help those who are faced with an aptitude or IQ test, as well as anyone who wants to improve their verbal and numerical reasoning skills.
	Concise Learning: Learn More & Score Higher in Less Time with Less Effort (How to Study with Mind Maps) (Study Learning Skills General) by Toni Krasnic (Author) Concise Learning helps college students learn how to learn and be successful. With the Concise Learning Method (CLM), students learn how to use mind mapping to integrate all class notes into mind maps, transform rote studying into meaningful learning, and become empowered learners. With the Skills of Success (SOS), students learn the 13 success skills needed to succeed in college and life. Each SOS is presented as a two-page, color mind map. CLM and SOS are easy to implement and the results are immediate. Although substantive and comprehensive, the book is written in a light-hearted and conversational style with cartoons, mind maps, and inspiring quotes. Each book also comes with a free 6-month trial of DropMind or ConceptDraw MindMap, two leading mind...