Stereotypes and self-reports about spatial cognition: Impact of gender and age

Cognitive stereotypes with regard to gender are prevalent, especially with regard to spatial cognition. However, literature suggests that age, rather than gender has more impact on objective spatial performance. The aim of this study was to create a detailed picture of the extent and direction of stereotypes held in general population. Individual differences in terms of age and gender, as well as age group identification and gender identification were studied in relation to the stereotypes held. In addition, self-reported performance was also considered, to compare stereotype beliefs to beliefs concerning one’s own performance. An online questionnaire was filled out by a large and heterogeneous sample of Dutch participants (N = 980). Results indicate that gender stereotypes concerning spatial abilities are clearly prevalent and held most strongly by male and young individuals. Stereotype beliefs were very similar to the patterns found for self-reported performance for gender, even though this is not supported by findings concerning objective performance. Stereotypes concerning age were largely absent. These findings indicate that the presence of stereotype beliefs and the individual differences in how strong such beliefs are should be considered in educational and clinical settings where spatial performance is evaluated.