Spatial Reasoning

Spatial reasoning is a process of forming ideas through the spatial relationships between objects. Spatial reasoning is the ability to visualize spatial patterns and mentally manipulate them over a time-ordered sequence of spatial transformations.

Geometry is an example of spatial reasoning at work. Graphs present data in a format suitable for spatial reasoning. We use spatial reasoning when drawing maps or illustrating a design.


Some problems are intrinsically better handled in spatial form than verbal form. Try to describe how the parts of an internal combustion engine operate without using spatial reasoning.

Some people are stronger at spatial reasoning, but others are better at verbal reasoning. On average, men are better at spatial reasoning than women, and women seem to be better at verbal reasoning. However, I am a woman who is a natural at spatial reasoning, logical thinking, and visual thinking. This lead me to a 10-year career as an electrical design engineer before my career as a mom.

The ability of spatial reasoning is important for generating and conceptualizing solutions to multi-step problems in areas such as architecture, engineering, science, mathematics, art, games (especially computer games), and everyday life.

While some visual thinkers (who account for around 60% of the general population)[1] also have good spatial reasoning, this does not make spatial reasoning exclusive to those who "think in pictures".

Spatial reasoning can have more to do with one of the other 5 main modes of thought: the logical (mathematical/systems) style of thought[2].

Kinesthetic learners (physical learners who learn through body mapping and physical patterning) are highly developed in spatial awareness[3] and may also visualize spatial patterns and movement direction without being predominantly those who 'think in pictures'[4]. The same is true of logical thinkers (mathematical/systems thinking) who think in patterns and relationships and may work diagrammatically[5] instead of pictorially and may have excellent spatial reasoning yet not necessarily be strong visual thinkers.

Spatial reasoning is also studied in computer science. It aims at describing the common-sense background knowledge on which our human perspective on the physical reality is based. Spatial reasoning is also important for navigating and in mathematics, science, and robotics.

References:
Wikipedia
J. Renz, B. Nebel, Qualitative Spatial Reasoning using Constraint Calculi, in: M. Aiello, I. Pratt-Hartmann, J. van Benthem (eds.): Handbook of Spatial Logics, Kluwer 2006.
1. Overview of learning styles
2. Overview of learning styles
3. Visual, Auditory and Kinesthetic Learning Styles in Grappling
4. Overview of learning styles
5. Overview of learning styles