The Understanding of Pictorial Depth Cues, and the Ability to Visualise the Rotation of Three‐dimensional Structures in Diagrams

Abstract

The aim of the investigation was to determine whether the ability to visualise the effects of performing rotations on diagrams of three‐dimensional structures is dependent on the ability to respond correctly to each of the four cues used to portray depth in the diagrams. A sample of 200 Nigerian students aged 17‐23 took a battery of tests each constructed to test one of these abilities. The relationships were investigated using multiple correlation techniques. The results confirmed the importance and necessity of students having to respond correctly to all four depth cues in order to visualise the effects of performing rotations.