Spatial Strategy Selection: Interesting Incremental Information

The aim of this article is to show that individuals differ in the way they solve spatial tasks of all kinds, and both research on and measurement of spatial ability could profit from an integration of strategy aspects. We first review evidence for both intra- and interindividual strategy differences (including gender differences) in 3 domains of spatial cognition: spatial ability tests, mental rotation, and environmental orientation and navigation. Then, we present additional evidence from 2 of our own studies. Finally, we discuss what a focus on strategy aspects could add to basic research and to spatial ability testing, and we give some concrete suggestions for integrating strategy assessment into standard spatial tests.