Spatial ability in Zambian children with special reference to intersexual differences and the concept of field dependence

Abstract

This study investigated intersexual differences in spatial ability amongst Zambian children aged between five and eighteen years. The results were viewed in the light of cross-cultural research. Particular attention "as paid to the concept of field dependence. It was found that intersexual differences on certain tests of spatial ability are shown by Zambian children in favour of boys but that these differences are less pronounced than they are in the west. Modifications of these differences were obtained by manipulation of certain stimulus variables. The results were interpreted as offering support for the hypothesis that differences in spatial ability are attributable in the main to differential practice. The concept of a general underlying cognitive style determining differences in spatial ability was not regarded as being supported by the results.