Sex differences in mathematical abilities: Commentary on the math-fact retrieval hypothesis

The hypothesis that a male advantage in speed of math-fact retrieval underl ies the sex difference, favoring males, in mathematical abilities is unique and provocative. However, the hypothesis does not provide an explanation f or the male advantage in mathematical domains, such as geometry, that do no t require arithmetic, nor does it accommodate the sex differences in social and occupational interests that contribute to the sex difference in mathem atical achievement. An alternative hypothesis focusing on the sex differenc e in three-dimensional spatial cognition is favored over the math-fact retr ieval hypothesis. (C) 1999 Academic Press.