Best Spatial Intelligence Test Options

Get to know some options for the best spatial intelligence test to know how you fare with your SIQ.

Lohman defined spatial intelligence in 1996 as “the ability to generate, retain, retrieve, and transform well-structured visual images.”

It is the ability to visualize the movements, rotations, shapes, and positions of an object.

The method of spatial reasoning is an essential ability for designers, artists, engineers, and even surgeons, to name a few.

It is needed to visualize objects and how they would appear if they were moved, reflected, or rotated.

For example, a designer could enhance an experience of a product for a user or viewer by using spatial reasoning.

A gymnast performs a sequence of movements with his body by being spatially aware.

It can involve solving 2D and 3D puzzles, without using your hands instead by manipulating the object mentally, flipping it, etc.

Visualize it from another angle without physically touching the object.

It could also include viewing the pattern of a deconstructed image and visualizing what it would look when completed.

We will explore why spatial intelligence is important, some options for the best spatial intelligence test, and how you can improve your SIQ.

How is our Spatial Intelligence Tested, And How Can We Improve It?

We know there are a few different available IQ tests, and many are given to children throughout their school careers.

These tests evaluate a person’s cognitive abilities and gain an understanding of your quantitative and verbal abilities.

These results are easily picked up in the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and many other standardized tests.

However, these standard tests do not include or assess the spatial intelligence of the test taker. 

Yet, the results are essential for academic and professional purposes.

They assess one’s ability to visualize the world accurately, modify their surroundings.

This is based upon their understanding of it all, and recreate their visual experience accurately.

Because the standardized tests do not include spatial intelligence assessments, someone with a high spatial reasoning ability may go unrecognized.

And although spatial intelligence is thought to correlate achievements in Sciences, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), it is only one aspect of a person’s overall intelligence. 

However, it is still vital for spatial intelligence to be nurtured and encouraged, yet it is neglected in schools.

Spatial ability is an essential factor in many professions.

These professions include designers, engineers, chemists, doctors and/or surgeons, and many more.

They are thought to have solid visual-spatial abilities.

Some may be born with this spatial awareness. 

However, it is possible to strengthen and improve your spatial skills.

You can improve the way you visualize objects and know their relation to other things.

You can accurately view and rearrange an object’s position in space.

Ways to Improve Spatial Intelligence

Simple tasks can be done in our daily lives that could help improve our spatial skills.

Ordinary Daily Activities

These tasks could be something as simple as paying attention to the position and distance of objects we may encounter, such as trees, benches, or people while walking in a park, etc.

This encourages you to visualize the relationship between the different objects, their sizes, shapes, and positions.

You could even walk around them and view them from the opposite side and compare their positions to those same objects.

Another activity to help with your spatial skills could be to paint a picture.

Art Activities

Creating depth in a picture, with objects in the background and foreground or the air, depends on our ability to visualize the relationship between different things and sizes.

Even if you are not artistic, practicing with a paintbrush is a great way to learn.

Maps

We have become so reliant on using a GPS or Google Maps to take us to our desired location.

So much so that we don’t have to doubt whether we are going in the right direction or not.

We trust that we are being navigated to the correct place in the quickest time possible.

However, following electronic directions does us no favors.

Try using your understanding of distance and direction, and try to get yourself to your destination without electronic help.

This encourages your brain to fire up your spatial skills.

Video Games

What happens if you aren’t the type of person that likes spending time outside?

You would rather be inside, playing video games instead of going for a walk or physical adventures.

Well, you’re not losing out.

Video games like Snood, Tetris, and games with first shooter experiences help you visualization.

You visualize objects, sizes, shapes, relationship to other objects, and their distance and position.

And the great thing is that you get to improve your spatial skills and enjoy yourself.

Puzzles

Another relaxing way to encourage spatial thinking is by building 2D and 3D puzzles.

Puzzles have proven beneficial to people of all ages, and there are many kinds to choose from, so you can find one that suits your interests.

Building puzzles do require some patience and time.

Not everyone has or wants to spend time on building puzzles, but you do like the idea of creating something?

Then build something.

Building Activities

Build furniture, a model ship or bridge, or any structure of your choice.

Building structures requires intensive problem solving and visualization skills.

You need to figure out where things go and what the final product will look like based on where you position the pieces.

Having visual-spatial skills helps you think abstractly and see the big and complete picture by understanding how details fit together.

The same skills are used and improved when you play musical instruments.

Your mind and body have to determine how you are to move or position your hands to create a sound.

These are a few hobbies that you can pick up and do every day to help you develop and improve your spatial intelligence.

Spatial Intelligence Tests to Try Now

There are many practice tests available to you.

Whether you are applying for a job that requires solid spatial intelligence or just plain curious about assessing your SI.

SI tests like Psychology Today and 123Test offers visual-spatial intelligence tests.

They enable you to assess your spatial skills and provide ways to improve your spatial abilities.

These tests are also there to help you prepare for a job position.

The best way to test your spatial reasoning and improve it are tasks and spatial ability question types such as the ones listed below.

Shape Matching – 2 Dimensional

In shape matching, you would compare two groups with an equal number of 2D (flat) objects in each group.

Then, you would find their corresponding pair with the same size, shape, and pattern.

The first group labels the objects with numbers that are in numerical order.

The second group labels the objects with letters that are in alphabetical order.

The objects in the second group are ordered differently than the order in the first group.

The objects in the first group could match an object in the second group.

Now note that the object from the second group has been rotated, flipped, or moved in some way.

But they do not include mirrored reflections, even if the designer has put a few in to try to catch you out.

The question may also include information that some objects in the first group may not have a matching object in the second group.

The speed at which you can mentally manipulate the objects and pair them correctly is also tested, not just the objects’ correct pairing.

There are usually many objects to compare, and they are placed closely together, which creates further distractions.

You can look at the whole group at once.

You can also systematically go through the second group’s shapes to find their corresponding match.

Use whichever method works best for you.

The first group consists of shapes that are rotations of one another.

The second group is also a rotation of each other. 

However, the first group’s shapes are not rotations of the shapes in the second group.

Visual Comparison – 2 Dimensional

In questions involving visual comparison, several objects are presented.

However, only two of them are identical.

The speed with which you complete as many questions as possible will also be assessed.

A recommended strategy to tackle these kinds of questions is to look at the shape on the left .

Then, systematically compare them on the right side to find their match.

If you cannot find a match for this first shape on the left side, move on to the second shape on the left .

Complete the same process until you find matches.

Working systematically through questions like this is a great strategy to use to avoid getting flustered.

Avoid using the method of “taking it all in and hoping to find the match.”

Group Rotation – 2 Dimensional

These questions are a little more complex than the shape matching rotations,.

Teflections are also not included in these questions, so avoid falling into the trap.

A good strategy would be to start with the most asymmetrical shape.

Then, visualize how it would look if it were rotated clockwise, counter-clockwise, and positioned in the opposite direction.

This makes it easier to narrow it down with the option you are given.

Then, compare the remaining options to find the correct match.

Combining 2 Dimensional Shapes

In questions like these, you will be presented with a series of 2D shapes.

One of the shapes will appear to be broken up into pieces.

You will need to determine which of the shapes have been cut up by looking at the pieces.

Here you could look at the shapes.

Find any distinguishing features that are not present in the cut-up pieces and can then be ruled out.

Also, consider the size of the shapes, which could rule out an option or too as well.

Another way to reduce the number of combinations is if the complete shapes have straight edges.

The broken components should fit together with the sides of the same lengths together.

Cube Views in 3 Dimensions

Here you could be asked to look at several views of a 3D cube.

The cube has a unique marking on each face.

Then, you are asked to determine which symbol appears on the opposite face.

Not everyone has a natural talent to think and visualize objects in 3D.

So there are strategies you can try.

For example, you can use the process of elimination, by excluding the symbols that appear next to the face in question.

(We’ll refer to it as X).

Then you can compare the options that have the same symbols that appear next to the face in question (X).

But with a different symbol where the X appears.

Sometimes in these questions, it can be easier to determine as it may merely be rotations of the cube from the cube in question.

Cubes in 2 and 3 Dimensions

In these questions, you will be presented with a flat 2-dimensional pattern that can be folded up into a 3-dimensional cube.

Your answer options will then include four images of three-dimensional cubes that you would need to identify which 3D shape could be made from the 2D pattern, using the patterns and markings on the faces.

There are only three visible elements on each cube, meaning only three faces are visible, and therefore you can concentrate on these three elements and their relationship with the pattern.

A good strategy would be to decide which face you are calling the “front” of the cube and then name the other faces in relation to the “front.”

This way, it is easier to look at the front of the cube, find that face on the pattern in question, use the pattern to find what would be considered the top, and to use the pattern to identify the faces that touch the “front” and eliminated any options that don’t match these.

With questions like this, you could be asked the opposite, where you are given a 3D shape and options with 2D patterns to choose from.

Other Solids in 2 and 3 Dimensions

Like the cube-type questions, these questions use irregular, solid shapes, except with the odd shapes. 

There are more relationships to work with to help determine your answer.

It can be considered easier as each face isn’t just another square but instead has different shapes.

As with the 2- and 3-dimension cubes above, use the visible elements and the relationship between them, and use any markings to eliminate options that don’t match the visible faces’ markings.

2-Dimensional Maps

Your ability to follow directions and visualize a route can be assessed with map questions.

Here you are presented with a 2D map or plan followed by 2 or 3 questions that give a series of directions.

It will help if you navigate the map using these instructions and a basic sense of direction.

It may seem somewhat straightforward. 

However, it is not only your accuracy that is assessed but also your speed.

Block Counting in 3 Dimensions

This would be a 3-Dimensional shape formed by a group of blocks, with some blocks possibly being hidden. 

You are asked to identify the number of blocks used to make the shape.

Because some blocks are hidden, you would need to visualize these blocks to include them in your count.

A helpful strategy in questions like these would be to break it up into columns or pillars in your mind, count how many are in each column or pillar, add any single blocks that might be outliers, and finally, add all those numbers together.

2-Dimensional Mirror Reflections

Here you will finally face mirror reflection questions to assess how you view 2D objects from a different perspective by identifying a shape’s mirror image.

Many other practice test questions could be asked that are not included in the examples above.

Note that the good tests to consider practicing, explain to you how to arrive at the correct answer, as seen on JobTestPrep.

Final Thoughts

Enhance your spatial intelligence by completing spatial intelligence tests and practicing using spatial-reasoning exercises daily.

These activities will help develop and improve your skill and get you familiar with the types of questions that can be asked before taking a test.

Studies show that when groups of different ages and genders with evident different spatial intelligence, the more practice each group got, the better their improvement will be.

So much so that there was no longer a noticeable gap between the group’s abilities.

Therefore, the same with many other skills, more practice means more improvement.

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