Do Basic Mathematical Skills Improve Spatial Visualization Abilities

Spatial visualization skills are important in engineering graphics and computer-aided design courses, especially in solid modeling, which has gained popularity in recent years. Are basic mathematical skills a factor in improving spatial visualization abilities? Based on the need to develop these abilities, what mathematical courses should be set as prerequisites for engineering graphics courses? This paper presents a study of the relationship between basic mathematical skills and spatial visualization abilities. The Purdue Spatial Visualization Test – Rotation was given to students taking engineering graphics courses. The results were compared with scores on a basic mathematical skills test, a placement test that all new students took when they applied to the college where this research was undertaken. Statistical analysis of the data revealed the effects of basic mathematical skills on spatial visualization abilities.