On the spatial visualization abilities of gifted students in different disciplines

Spatial visualization, one of the components of spatial ability, is an interdisciplinary subject area where we can observe its reflections in real-life contexts. While its relationship with mathematics is often emphasized, spatial visualization plays a significant role in various fields, ranging from education and architecture to medicine and engineering. In this context, one aim of the research is to determine the strategies employed by academically successful, talented students from different disciplines who continue their education and training, in solving spatial visualization problems. Another objective is to identify similarities and differences in these strategies based on the students' diagnosed disciplines and investigate the reasons behind such variations. To assess students' spatial visualization abilities, questions from the "construction" and "rotation" sections of the Purdue Spatial Visualization Test have been utilized. The study group consists of high school students diagnosed with exceptional abilities in different disciplines who attend Science and Art Centers (BİLSEM) in Ankara. The research is designed as a qualitative study employing a case study design, and content analysis is utilized for data analysis. Based on the findings of the research, categories have been formed according to the solution strategies employed by students in spatial visualization questions across different disciplines. As a result, 10 solution categories have been identified for the questions in the construction section, and 10 solution categories have been identified for the questions in the rotation section. Furthermore, some results have been obtained regarding whether the solution strategies used by students vary according to their specific talent areas. While similarities in strategies used by students in the mathematical and verbal sections were observed at the branch level, differences specific to branches were observed in the strategies used by students in the art section. Additionally, recommendations have been provided to researchers for future studies in this area.