Using a joystick, adults (n = 39 males, 40 females in Experiment 1; it = 35
males, 40 females in Experiment 2; and n = 18 males, 18 females in Experim
ent 3) performed a computerized pursuit tracking task. Contrary to previous
ly reported findings, the males were not more accurate than the females whe
n performance was adjusted for prior perceptual-motor experience. Although
no sex differences were found in a speeded tracking task, in an inverted tr
acking task the males exhibited a significant performance advantage; that a
dvantage remained after several blocks of practice. Because participants' p
erformance was adjusted statistically for prior perceptual-motor experience
, the male advantage in inverted tracking was not related to experience. Ra
ther, mon proficient inverted tracking performance was associated with high
er S-dimensional mental rotations scores. In sum, sex differences in normal
pursuit tracking may be better explained by differences in perceptual-moto
r experience. Inverted tracking, however, may depend on proficiency with sp
atial transformations.