An exploratory study of spatial ability and student achievement in sonography

Abstract

Spatial ability refers to an individual's capacity to visualize and mentally manipulate three dimensional objects. Since sonographers manually manipulate 2-D and 3-D ultrasound images to generate multi-viewed logical, sequential renderings of an anatomical structure, it can be assumed that spatial ability is central to the perception and interpretation of these medical images. However, little is known about the relation between spatial ability and sonographers' performance. This study explores this possible relationship.