Visualization. The Mental Rotations Test (Vandenberg & Kuse, 1978) and the Paper Folding Test (from the Kit of Factor-Referenced Cognitive Tests by Ekstrom et al., 1976) measured the ability to use spatial imagery in order to perform complex spatial transformations. Spatial visualization is a specific type of ability that involves the sequential transformation of a spatial form to match it with an original spatial form (Carroll, 1993; Ekstrom et al.). In the case of either three-dimensional or two-dimensional test items, the process often involves the necessity of rotating the item one or more times. Based upon this definition, Carroll identified both mental rotation and paper folding tests as appropriate measures to assess spatial
visualization. In addition, both tests reflect similar processes to solution that may be
executed when solving geometric problems such as Problem A (the cube, a threedimensional
figure) and Problem B (the right-angled triangle, a two-dimensional figure) from the National Assessment of Educational Progress’ (NAEP; 2006) standardized item pool (see p. 2).