Gender differences in spatial knowledge acquired through simulated exploration of a virtual shopping centre

Past research has demonstrated that when spatial knowledge is acquired through real-world navigation, males typically outperform females on subsequent tests of spatial ability. However, less-consistent gender differences have been obtained in studies examining navigation through computer-simulated spaces. In the present study, male and female participants explored two large-scale virtual shopping centres. Navigation was supported by either a hand-held paper map or by a digital map that was displayed on a computer screen. Spatial knowledge was then tested in a battery of tasks including wayfinding, directional and distance estimates, and a map placement task. In the majority of comparisons made, there were significant differences favouring males. The findings indicate that like real-world learning, virtual exploration leads to significant gender differences in spatial performance.