Comparing scores on spatial-perception tests for intercollegiate athletes and nonathletes

Percept Mot Skills. 1997 Feb;84(1):299-306. doi: 10.2466/pms.1997.84.1.299.

Abstract

Many researchers believe that the amount of testosterone in the blood is directly associated with visuospatial perception. If this is the case, men and women who participate in intercollegiate athletics (and have high androgen levels) should show significantly better spatial ability than nonathletes. Two paper-and-pencil tests to measure spatial ability were given to 200 men and women on university sport teams. Men's scores, compared to national norms, were significantly lower than those in the national sample but no difference was found between the women athletes and the national sample or between the male and female athletes.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Androgens / physiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Orientation / physiology
  • Psychological Tests / statistics & numerical data*
  • Random Allocation
  • Sex Factors
  • Space Perception* / physiology
  • Sports / physiology
  • Sports / psychology*

Substances

  • Androgens