The relation between spatial abilities and performance in mathematics and visual art

Abstract

The relationship between Mathematics and Visual Art is underexamined. The current study aimed to investigate the possible relation between these two academic subjects. In this study, I adopted some spatial ability measures from previous studies and tapped into the contribution of each domain of spatial ability to mathematical and visual art performance respectively. I also looked into the relation between spatial ability and mathematical word problem solving strategies. The hierarchical regression analyses revealed that intrinsic-dynamic spatial ability was a significant predictor of mathematical performance and visuospatial working memory significantly predicted both performance in Mathematics and Visual Art. Further, intrinsic-dynamic spatial ability predicted the use of schematic representation in solving mathematical word problems, but no variables predicted the use of pictorial representation. Such findings might provide insights into how interventions targeting specific spatial abilities might benefit mathematical and visual art performance.