A Review of Spatial Assessments for Research in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education: A Sample from Northwestern SILC Website

Spatial ability plays a crucial role in several fields, such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) for student performance, and its assessment is critical to identify the strengths and weaknesses of students in STEM performance. This study systematically examined a sample of spatial tests collected from the Northwestern Spatial Intelligence and Learning Center (SILC) website, a place for resources for research. Out of 37 tests on the website, 18 spatial tests were located and reviewed from two different perspectives of test-takers and a psychometrician and evaluated based on usability and psychometric characteristics. The explored usability characteristics of the spatial tests were the types of spatial ability to be assessed, target population, test format, availability of the directions, and usage in STEM education research. The reviewed psychometric characteristics were validity and reliability evidence and item-level characteristics of the spatial tests. Finally, this study appraised the usage of 18 spatial tests in STEM education research. The findings of this study are expected to provide researchers with the information needed to make informed decisions when selecting spatial tests that best match their specific research goals in STEM education.