Porter, Dale Scott, authorMakela, Carole, advisorGlick, Scott, advisorQuick, Don, committee memberOrsi, Jared, committee member2018-09-102019-09-062018https://hdl.handle.net/10217/191364Researchers have established that spatial ability is a predictor of success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Unknown are the differences of spatial abilities among Construction Professionals comparative to other STEM and Non-STEM Professionals. The purpose of this study is to discover if there are specific activities, experiences, or education that are perceived to improve mental rotation abilities among practicing professionals in construction and related fields. Participants for this study were coded into four groups of professionals consisting of Construction Professionals, Construction Related Professionals, STEM Professionals and Non-STEM Professionals (N = 238). The population from which the sample was drawn came from a purchased national email list organized by Standard Industry Classification (SIC) codes. Utilizing a survey instrument and the Purdue Spatial Visualization Test: Rotations (PSVT:R), differences in spatial ability were measured among these groups of professionals. A statistically significant difference was found between the mean scores of Construction Professionals and Non-STEM Professionals (p = .016), and an effect size of .031 was reported. No other statistically significant differences in mean scores exist among the four groups. Test results facilitated comparisons of ability with self-attributed activities that enhanced spatial ability. Analysis showed that drawing was attributed more frequently among high scoring individuals (52%) than low scoring individuals (15%) as a useful activity enhancing spatial ability. PSVT:R scores were also compared with the amount of time per day participants made use of their spatial abilities. No statistically significant difference was found. Findings from this study suggest that higher spatial abilities are present among Construction Professionals and add an important dimension to industry recruitment with the potential implementation of spatial ability testing. Construction education curriculum likewise benefits from these findings that suggest drawing as an important activity increasing one's spatial ability.born digitaldoctoral dissertationsengCopyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.construction managementspatial abilityPSVT:Rconstruction educationText