Gender differences in spatial task performance as a function of speed or accuracy orientation

Performance differences in spatial abilities as a function of gender may be modified by practice and relevant background experiences, as well as by di rections given in laboratory situations We examined whether a focus on spee d or accuracy influenced performance in various spatial domains using sever al different scoring techniques. Men and women from a small, predominantly White private college completed tasks of spatial perception, spatial visual ization, and mental rotation under one of three conditions: speed-emphasis, accuracy-emphasis or control. Participants also provided information conce rning experiences pertinent to spatial ability Results revealed relative pa rity between men and women on tasks of spatial visualization and spatial pe rception; speed/accuracy orientation did not alter these findings. Men outp erformed women on mental rotation but only when scored in a strict manner a nd when explicitly told to focus on accuracy, but not when directional emph asis was absent or geared toward speed. Self-reported background in math, s ports, and the arts was unrelated to performance. The results are discussed in terms of women's efficacy beliefs about performing tasks explicitly des ignated as spatial in nature.