Spatial Ability can be defined as ‘The ability to interpret and
make drawings, form mental images, and visualize movement or
change in those images.’ Spatial ability tests measure your
ability to manipulate shapes in two dimensions or to visualize
three-dimensional objects presented as two-dimensional pictures.
These tests are usually of 20-40 minutes duration and contain
20-30 questions.
Spatial ability tests often involve the visual assembly and the
disassembly of objects that have been rotated or which are viewed
from different angles or objects that have different markings on
their surfaces.
Spatial Ability - Shape Matching
In these types of question you will be presented with a number of
objects only two of which are identical. These are speed questions
and you will need to work quickly and attempt to answer as many as
possible in the given time. Generally speaking, if the questions
involve the manipulation of 2 dimensional objects then they are
probably fairly straightforward, but you will be challenged to
answer them all in the time you are given.
Spatial Ability - Group Rotation
This is slightly more complex than the rotations in the
two-dimensional shape matching question.
Spatial Ability - Combining Shapes
These questions show you a series of 2-dimensional shapes. One of
the shapes has been ‘cut up’ into pieces. The questions presents
you with the pieces and you are asked to work out which of the
shapes has been ‘cut up’.
Spatial Ability - Cube Views in
3-Dimensions
These questions show you several (usually 3) views of a
3-dimensional cube with unique symbols or markings on each face
and then asks you a question about it. For example, which symbol
is on the opposite face?
Spatial Ability - Other Solids in 2 and
3 Dimensions
These questions are similar to the cube questions above, but
rather than cubes they use other solid shapes which may be
irregular. In some respects, these questions are easier than the
cube questions as there are more relationships to work with. In
other words, each face of the solid shape has a shape of its own
rather than just being square.
Spatial Ability - Maps and Plans
These questions often appear in tests for emergency services,
military and law enforcement jobs where the ability to give or
follow directions based on a map or street plan is essential.
All spatial ability tests rely on you being able to imagine
what would happen in your mind's eye. Unfortunately, about 5% of
the adult population find it impossible to imagine two-dimensional
shapes being moved through a third dimension. This is thought to
be because there is a genetic factor involved in spatial reasoning
ability.
Spatial ability is required in production, technical and design
jobs where plans and drawings are used, for example; engineering,
architecture, surveying and design. However, it is also important
in some branches of science where the ability to envisage the
interactions of 3 dimensional components is essential.
Mechanical
Reasoning Tests >
Everything you need to pass
psychometric tests
|
