The ROTATE training module within the NeuroMite program trains the ability to form a three-dimensional mental image of an object depicted in two dimensions and to manipulate the image by means of a change of perspective or rotation (mental rotation).
Scene and Task
In the ROTATE training program you are shown 3D objects that you must compare with reference pictures. Two types of task are presented alternately.
In the change of perspective tasks you will see the object on the right-hand side of the screen surrounded by cameras. You must work out which camera was used to take the picture shown on the left of the screen.
The rotation tasks are similar. In this case the screen shows symbolic axes of rotation (“rotation rods”), which can be used to rotate the object in space. You must work out which axis needs to be used to rotate the object in order to create the reference picture.
Theory
Current theoretical models of this ability area assume that the process of solving mental rotation problems involves four stages (see Just & Carpenter 1985, Arendasy & Sommer 2010):
- Search stage: the search for corresponding object parts
- Encoding stage: constructing a mental image of the object to be rotated
- Transformation stage: transformation by means of rotation or change of perspective
- Confirmation stage: comparison of actual results with intended outcome
Studies show that this ability can be improved through training and practice. In general the best results are achieved by using training methods in which different spatial strategies are permitted and practised (for a summary: Handet al., 2007).
