Using an Argument-based Approach to Validity for Selected Tests of Spatial Ability in Allied Medical Professions Students DISSERTATION Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy in the Graduate School of The Ohio State University By Terri Ann Bruckner, M.A. Graduate Program in Education The Ohio State University 2013 Dissertation Committee: Dorinda Gallant, Advisor Ann O’Connell Laura Harris Copyrighted by Terri Ann Bruckner 2013 Abstract Spatial ability is a cognitive skill required for success in many professions. Those in the Allied Medical professions utilize this skill in the performance of many of their daily tasks. Understanding the nature of this ability in Allied Medical educational programs may allow educators to improve the delivery of material or develop training material for students who have low levels of spatial ability. In order to assess spatial ability in Allied Medical students, valid instruments are needed. This study used the argument-based approach to examine the validity evidence for six tests of spatial ability in a group of 128 Allied Medical students. Tests were chosen to assess spatial perception (Cube Comparison Test and The Purdue Spatial Visualization Test Visualization of Views), spatial visualization (Hidden Figures Test and The Purdue Spatial Visualization Test Visualization of Developments), and mental rotation (Mental Rotations Test and The Purdue Spatial Visualization Test Visualization of Rotations). Evidence is presented to support the assertions that some of these tests can be interpreted as spatial ability measures, but the assertions that the chosen tests measure spatial perception, spatial visualization, and mental rotation abilities was not satisfied. ii Dedication To my husband, Mike, your love and support made it possible for me to get this far. To my son David and his family, thank you for your willingness to share me with my pursuit of a graduate degree. To Brian and Rebecca Welch—thanks for your encouragement and our Friday nights. Thanks to my parents, Mary and Roger Johnson, and to my sister Tammy Fisher, for all of your encouragement. Melinda, thanks for making graduate school fun. iii Acknowledgments I would like to thank Dr. Dorinda Gallant for her help and constant support. Without your encouragement, this would never have been possible. I would also like to thank Drs. Ann O’Connell and Laura Harris for serving as my committee members and for their suggestions for improving this document. I want to express my appreciation to Dr. Ayres D’Costa, who encouraged me to pursue my doctorate and helped me in refining my topic. I also want to sincerely thank Deb Zabloudil, who wouldn’t let me quit. iv Vita June 1974 .......................................................West Liberty-Salem High School 1978 ..............................................................B.S., Allied Medical Professions, The Ohio State University 1988 ...............................................................M.A., Education, The Ohio State University 1985 to present ..............................................Clinical Instructor, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University Fields of Study Major Field: Education v Table of Contents Abstract ............................................................................................................................... ii Dedication .......................................................................................................................... iii Acknowledgments.............................................................................................................. iv Vita ...................................................................................................................................... v Fields of Study ................................................................................................................ v Table of Contents ............................................................................................................... vi List of Tables ..................................................................................................................... xi List of Figures ................................................................................................................... xv Chapter 1: Introduction ....................................................................................................... 1 Allied Medical Professionals and Their Associated Spatial Tasks ................................. 4 Athletic Training.......................................................................................................... 5 Health Information Management and Systems ........................................................... 6 Medical Dietetics ......................................................................................................... 6 Occupational Therapy .................................................................................................. 7 vi Significance and Purpose of this Study ......................................................................... 16 Organization of the Dissertation ................................................................................... 22 Chapter 2: Review of the Pertinent Literature .................................................................. 23 Validity .......................................................................................................................... 23 Unified Theory of Validity ............................................................................................ 28 The History of Research Related to Spatial Ability ...................................................... 32 What is Spatial Ability? ................................................................................................ 39 Individual Differences in Spatial Ability ...................................................................... 46 Biologic Factors Related to Individual Differences in Spatial Ability ...................... 47 Environmental Factors Related to Individual Differences in Spatial Ability ............ 55 Tests of Spatial Ability .................................................................................................. 58 The Purdue Spatial Visualization Test (PSVT) ......................................................... 60 Hidden Figures Tests ................................................................................................. 64 Mental Rotations Test (MRT) ................................................................................... 66 The Cube Comparison Test ....................................................................................... 69 Studies of Spatial Ability in Healthcare ........................................................................ 70 Summary ....................................................................................................................... 79 Chapter 3: Design and Methods ........................................................................................ 84 Population and Sample .................................................................................................. 86 vii Population .................................................................................................................. 86 Sample ....................................................................................................................... 88 Instrumentation.............................................................................................................. 89 Tests to Measure Spatial Perception Ability ............................................................. 90 Tests to Measure Spatial Visualization Ability ......................................................... 95 Tests to Measure Mental Rotation Ability .............................................................. 100 The Spatial Experience Questionnaire .................................................................... 105 Data Collection ............................................................................................................ 105 Data Analysis .............................................................................................................. 107 Statistical Analysis Assumption Checking .............................................................. 118 Chapter 4: Results .......................................................................................................... 120 Spatial Skills in Allied Medical Professions ............................................................... 120 Validation Evidence .................................................................................................... 127 Validation Evidence for the Cube Comparison Test Results .................................. 129 Validation Evidence for the Spatial Experience Questionnaire .............................. 139 Validation Evidence for the PSVT Visualization of Views Test Results................ 142 Validation Evidence for the Spatial Experience Questionnaire .............................. 148 Validation Evidence for the PSVT Visualization of Developments Test ............... 150 Validation Evidence for the Spatial Experience Questionnaire .............................. 161 viii Validation Evidence for the Hidden Figures Test ................................................... 163 Validation Evidence for the Spatial Experience Questionnaire