Across sixteen spatial tests, a three-factor hierarchical model (Navigation, Object Manipulation, Visualization) fit best, with factors correlated r = 0.73–0.95 loading on a general Spatial Ability factor¶

Claim · All claims
Evidence · 1 study · associational r3 · q3
Currency · newest study 2020 · not yet checked against its sources · not reviewed by a person

Subclaims¶

q3 i? Confirmatory factor analysis showed three substantially correlated factors fit better than one- or two-factor models, and the factors loaded strongly onto a second-order Spatial Ability factor (R2 = 0.79–1.00). → Malanchini 2020

Evidence¶

Malanchini 2020¶

Malanchini, M., Rimfeld, K., Shakeshaft, N. G., McMillan, A., Schofield, K. L., Rodic, M., Rossi, V., Kovas, Y., Dale, P. S., Tucker-Drob, E. M. & Plomin, R. (2020). Evidence for a unitary structure of spatial cognition beyond general intelligence. npj Science of Learning. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41539-020-0067-8

q3 · i? · associational · r3

Confirmatory factor analysis across the 16 object-based and orientation tests in TEDS. The three-factor model fit well and "the three factors were strongly corre- lated ( r ranging from 0.73 to 0.95)", supporting re-specification as a hierarchical model with a common Spatial Ability factor.

"This model provided a good fit for the data ( χ2 = 351.870 (101), p < 0.001, CFI = 0.953, TLI = 0.944, RMSEA = 0.041, SMRS = 0.041). However, the three factors were strongly corre- lated ( r ranging from 0.73 to 0.95)."

Discussion¶

Related Claims¶

• The general Spatial Ability factor is 84% heritable, with shared genetic variance underlying clustering across all sixteen tests and no meaningful shared environmental contribution — related
• Perspective-taking (spatial orientation) shows evidence of uniqueness from mental rotation factors — related
• Twin and factor-analytic studies support a unitary single-factor model of spatial ability, as the review reports — reports the opposite