title: Relationship between spatial abilities, mental rotation and functional anatomy learning.
abstract: This study investigated the relationship between visuo-spatial representation, mental rotation (MR) and functional anatomy examination results. A total of 184 students completed the Group Embedded Figures Test (GEFT), Mental Rotation Test (MRT) and Gordon Test of Visual Imagery Control. The time spent on personal assignment was also considered. Men were found to score better than women on both GEFT and MRT, but the gender effect was limited to the interaction with MRT ability in the anatomy learning process. Significant correlations were found between visuo-spatial, MR abilities, and anatomy examination results. Data resulting from the best students' analyzes underscore the effect of high MR ability which may be considered reliable predictor of success in learning anatomy. The use of specific tests during learning sessions may facilitate the acquisition of anatomical knowledge.
authors.affiliation: Centre de Recherche et d'Innovation sur le Sport, Université Claude Bernard Lyon I, 27-29 Boulevard du 11 Novembre 1918, 69622, Villeurbanne cedex, France. aymeric.guillot@univ-lyon1.fr
authors.forename: Aymeric
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Guillot
authors.forename: Stéphane
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Champely
authors.forename: Christophe
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Batier
authors.forename: Patrice
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Thiriet
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Collet
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000715:Anatomy / Q000193:education*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005260:Female; D005556:Form Perception; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D009904:Optical Rotation; D011581:Psychological Tests; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D012399:Rotation; D012737:Sex Factors; D013028:Space Perception; D014796:Visual Perception