GENDER DIFFERENCES IN SPATIAL ORIENTATION IN A VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT

Purpose of this study was to determine if there are differences between men and women in spatial orientation while navigating through a virtual environment. For this, a computer-generated 3-D maze was developed. To assess the effect of experience, the Survey of Spatial Representation and Activities was used. Spatial orientation was assessed through a Spatial Ability Practice Test and a questionnaire. Men mainly used geometrical orientation strategies whereas women mostly used navigation strategies. Contrary to what was expected, no significant differences were found between the performance of men and women. However, participants using an orientation strategy completed the maze significantly faster than participants using a navigation strategy.