EARLI Conference 2025
Aug 25, 2025·
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0 min read
Frank Reinhold
Dinah Reuter
Universität, Graz, Hauptgebäude. Image © Pexels / werbeguru.
Abstract
This presentation examines how young children’s mental rotation skills develop and how these skills are shaped by task complexity and gender. Using a newly designed assessment instrument—the MERRO test, which systematically varies rotation angle, dimensionality, and visual complexity—we collected data from 387 primary school students (Grades 1–4). Results show that age strongly predicts performance, with older students completing more items within the time limit. Task characteristics, such as more complex 3D perspectives or larger rotation angles, significantly reduce solution probability. While gender differences are small overall, patterns suggest that boys begin to outperform girls on more complex 3D rotation tasks, aligning with findings typically reported for older learners. These insights highlight the importance of supporting spatial skills early in schooling, particularly for students who may struggle with complex visual-spatial processing.
Date
Aug 25, 2025 — Aug 29, 2025
Event
Location
University of Graz
Graz, Austria
