The Impacts of Anxiety and Motivation on Spatial Performance: Implications for Gender Differences in Mental Rotation and Navigation
Year: 2023
Type: article
Abstract: Despite extensive research on gender differences in spatial cognition, the potential roles of affective and situational factors in accounting for these differences remain relatively understudied. Here we discuss the impacts of spatial anxiety and motivation in mental rotation and navigation tasks, particularly their roles in explaining the gender performance gaps. We highlight the distinction between approach and avoidance motivation, as well as interactions between anxiety and motivation. Attention, working memory, and response strategy are discussed as mechanisms by which anxiety and motivation may affect performance on spatial tasks. Implications for a broader approach that also considers other psychological variables, such as confidence, are discussed.
Authors: Stella F. Lourenco, Yaxin Liu
Institution: Emory University
Language: English
Subfield: Automotive Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Gender equality
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4321453158