How to Develop Better Spatial Reasoning and 3 Easy Ways to Get You Started

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Shannon Terrell
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Highlights: We’re going to take a look at what spatial reasoning is, how it works in today’s world, and help you discover just how strong your spatial intelligence is.
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Spatial reasoning is one of the most functional skills we’ve developed as humans. And it’s a skill that has evolved along with us as our world has grown and changed.

Do you possess the invaluable skill of spatial awareness? If you’re not sure, don’t sweat it! There are plenty of ways to find out.

We’re going to take a look at, what spatial reasoning is, how it works in today’s world, and help you discover just how strong your spatial intelligence is.

What Is Spatial Reasoning in Psychology?

Spatial reasoning is a type of reasoning skill. It’s the ability to think about the spatial relationships between three-dimensional objects.

Someone with strong spatial reasoning skills is good at navigating, calculating distance, working with geometric figures, designing structures, and comparing data.

In psychology, this type of thinking is also referred to as spatial intelligence.

What does spatial intelligence mean?

It’s not how smart you are, but how are you smart.

— Jim Kwik, Author of Mindvalley’s Superbrain Program

Spatial intelligence belongs to Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences. In this theory, Gardner proposes nine types of intelligence, including spatial intelligence.

Gardner was frustrated with the old models of measuring intelligence with IQ tests. He believed there was more than one way to be smart.

According to Gardner, spatial intelligence is the ability to visualize and manipulate three-dimensional objects in the mind’s eye.

Consequently, possessing this form of intelligence makes you a prime candidate for a career as an architect, engineer, graphic designer, physicist, astronomer, or photographer.

spatial intelligence

Why Is Spatial Reasoning Important?

Thousands of years ago, we used spatial intelligence to help us navigate the unexplored corners of the world. It helped us write maps and build ancient structures like the Coliseum and the Great Pyramid of Giza.

Today we use spatial reasoning in entirely new and exciting ways. With the advent of new technologies like 3D imaging and virtual reality, we’re learning how to put them to incredible use.

Not only that, but spatial reasoning helps us use logic to establish the relationship between objects. Strong spatial awareness helps us build our critical thinking skills, improves our mathematical abilities, and makes us better wayfinders and navigators.

What Is the Spatial Reasoning Test?

So, how can you find out if you have strong spatial reasoning skills? Take a test!

This test assesses your skills by asking you to perform mental manipulations on three-dimensional objects.

Essentially: you need to find the right answer by visualizing the movement of the test objects.

Sounds pretty straightforward, right? Well, it is straightforward, but it’s not easy. You might be surprised by how challenging these tests can be!

Take a spatial reasoning test to see whether
spatial intelligence is your forte. And if it’s not, don’t worry. There are plenty of ways you can develop your spatial intelligence on your own!

Shannon Terrell

Shannon Terrell

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