# A Global Overview of SVA--Spatial-Visual Ability
## 5 Results
### Analysis by the Age Categories and Assessment Tools
#### 5.1.8 Age--Not Applicable (A8)  
As shown in Table 10, the Purdue Spatial Visualisation Test--Visualisation of Rotations (PSVT:R) [33] has oversights in its isometric representations, despite the fact that isometric drawings are frequently utilized in spatial cognitive assessments for engineering and technology students [78]. Author [PERSON] suggests that 3D solid modelling and modern computing technology may compensate for these errors and provide more accurate views in such tests [78]. A conference proceeding [79] examined the significance of cognitive spatial skills across various STEM fields and provides a synopsis of evaluation techniques for measuring cognitive spatial capability, particularly among engineering students. The techniques utilized encompass spatial tasks such as speed of closure, mental rotation in 2D and 3D, environmental scanning, etc. [79]. One of the earliest studies, which was conducted in 1985 by [PERSON], found that meta-analysis is beneficial for combining factual research and enables researchers to reach more reliable conclusions in comparison to other approaches [19]. The authors determined that gender disparities in spatial cognition vary in degree and are evident in specific traits; mental rotation exhibits substantial gender variations, though spatial perception exhibits fewer differences, with those differences being noticeable throughout life [19]. The work of [PERSON] and [PERSON] presents a concise overview of the 3D cube illustrations utilized by [PERSON] and [PERSON] [67] and its relevance to studies pertaining to psychological cognition and investigation of spatial behaviour [80]. In tasks comprising several figures, notably the Vandenberg and Kuse [32] test, the numbers show substantial gender disparities, whereas tests using paired display of identical 3D figures indicate minimal gender disparities [80]. [PERSON] and [PERSON] carried out a meta-analysis in 2012 that confirmed a significant gender disparity in mental rotation ability, with male subjects demonstrating greater proficiency on the PSVT:R [33] compared to their female counterparts [81]. The landmark study in 1979 by [PERSON] provided robust evidence via factor analysis supporting the presence of two distinct abilities in spatial cognition--visualisation and orientation. These abilities, which are more associated with success in technological, employment, and professional fields than verbal skills, lead to the accompanying effect of gender disparities in perceptual-cognitive functioning, which emerge during puberty and are influenced by genetic factors and hemisphere specialisation [1]. An American study in 2003 introduced a novel method by which to measure spatial aptitude and human spatial orientation with the utilisation of virtual reality (VR) and virtual environments (VE) by exploring their benefits as compared to conventional assessment methods [82]. The comprehension of the psychometric associations of environmental learning discusses the framework that underlies human spatial cognition [83], and the concept of functional classifications of spatial skills is put forward for structuring spatial research and steer empirical investigations in the article authored by [PERSON]. Another review of spatial cognition by [PERSON] provides a chronological survey of spatial skill studies, comprising key psychological and other literature [84]. [PERSON] validates the significance of information processing in spatial ability and the establishes theoretical models to define it, with psychometric studies examining spatial ability, developmental studies tracking its age-related progression, differential studies revealing gender-based differences, and information-processing literature exploring individual strategies and processing [2]. Ref. [85] provides extensive insights on the need for spatial interventions in practical educational settings to understand the connection between spatial abilities to STEM learning.