Visuo-spatial processing in congenitally blind people: is there a gender-related preference?

Several studies have shown that blind and sighted individuals are equally a ble to generate and process visuo-spatial images. However, differences emer ge when active manipulation of information is required. A similar distincti on has been reported in studies investigating: gender-related preferences i n visuo-spatial tasks indicating a male advantage in active tasks only. The present study investigates gender-related visuospatial preference in conge nitally blind people by using active and passive working memory tasks. The results show significant effects due to gender and blindness; nevertheless, gender effects are more pronounced in the blind group and maximised in the active task. These data are interpreted within a theoretical framework tha t accounts for the different factors modulating the development of visuo-sp atial abilities. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.