Abstract Spatial skills can predict mathematics performance, with many researchers investigating how and why these skills are related. However, a literature review on spatial ability revealed a multiplicity of spatial taxonomies and analytical frameworks that lack convergence, presenting a confusing terrain for researchers to navigate. We expose two central challenges: (1) many of the ways spatial ability is defined and subdivided are often not based in well-evidenced theoretical and analytical frameworks, and (2) the sheer variety of spatial assessments. These challenges impede progress in designing spatial skills interventions for improving mathematics thinking based on causal principles, selecting appropriate metrics for documenting change, and analyzing and interpreting student outcome data. We offer solutions by providing a practical guide for navigating and selecting among the various major spatial taxonomies and instruments used in mathematics education research. We also identify current limitations of spatial ability research and suggest future research directions.

Kelsey E. Schenck

Mitchell J. Nathan

Educational Psychology Review

教育心理学评论是一个国际论坛，用于发表经过同行评审的综合评论文章、特殊主题问题、对先前研究或新研究方向的反思或评论、访谈、复制和干预文章——所有这些都与教育心理学领域有关。所有出版物都提供了适合教育心理学广泛读者的广泛报道，以及足够的深度为该领域的专家提供信息。

The Educational Psychology Review is an international forum dedicated to publishing peer-reviewed comprehensive review articles, special issue topics, reflections or comments on previous research or new research directions, interviews, replication studies, and intervention articles—all related to the field of educational psychology. The publications aim to provide a wide range of information suitable for a broad audience in educational psychology, while also offering sufficient depth to inform experts in the field.

《Educational Psychology Review》是一个国际性论坛，专注于发表经过同行评审的综合评论文章、特殊主题问题、对先前研究或新研究方向的反思与评论、访谈、复制研究和干预文章，所有内容均与教育心理学领域相关。期刊的出版物旨在为教育心理学的广泛读者提供丰富的信息，同时也为该领域的专家提供足够的深度分析。

Category	Quartile
心理学	1
心理学, 心理学教育	1

Navigating Spatial Ability for Mathematics Education: a Review and Roadmap

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Journal Info

Category	Quartile
PSYCHOLOGY, EDUCATIONAL	1