Commentary /Geary: Sexual selection and mathematics
نویسنده
چکیده
We challenge the notion that differences in spatial ability are the best or only explanation for observed sex differences in mathematical word problems. We suggest two ideas from the study of autism: sex differences in theory of mind and in central coherence. "Amy has two candies. She has one candy less than Mary. How many candies does Mary have?" Geary suggests that the male superiority with such word puzzles is due to greater spatial skill. Teaching a spatial strategy improves performance, but male superiority remains. Thus, spatial skill is unlikely to be the source of the sex difference. We would like to illustrate some alternative explanations through the example of
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Sex differences may indeed exist for 3 - D navigational abilities : But was sexual selection responsible ?
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