Sex Differences in Spatial Abilities: Evolutionary Theory and Data

Abstract

Abstract Cognitive sex differences have remained a prominent topic in psychology for several decades, and one of the most consistent findings has been superior performance for males on tests of spatial abilities. Earlier attempts to account for this difference dealt mainly with socialization practices (Maccoby & Jacklin, 1974), but the generality of the phenomenon across populations and situations led to a shift in emphasis to genetic determinants. Relationships have been found for both sexes between spatial performance and hormonal variables, measured or manipulated directly or inferred from correlates such as pubertal status, physical characteristics, menstrual cycle phase, and atypical androgen levels associated with medical disorders. Additionally, similar spatial sex differences have been found in infrahuman species.

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