A Meta-Analysis on the Influence of Spatial Ability on Learning With Visualizations

• In Event: Poster Session 4
  In Poster Session: Learner Characteristics

Abstract

This meta-analysis focuses on the role of spatial ability when learning with pictorial visualizations. Regarding 27 different experiments from 19 studies, several sub-factors of spatial ability are considered as well as dynamic and non-dynamic, interactive and non-interactive visualizations. An overall effect of r=.34 (95%-CI .28 to .39) demonstrating a medium advantage for high-spatial ability learners when working with visualizations is calculated. More importantly, two moderators could be identified: Learners with low spatial ability can be significantly supported by a dynamic instead of a non-dynamic visualization as well as by 3d- instead of 2d-illustrations. Results are discussed in consideration of contemporary theories of multimedia learning.

Author

• Tim Niclas Hoeffler, University of Kiel