Visuo-spatial reasoning in the human brain

This thesis explores the brain correlates and contextual factors influencing visuo-spatial reasoning through Mental Rotation (MR) tasks in men and women. Visuo-spatial reasoning, a critical cognitive function, underpins everyday activities and is often assessed through MR tasks, where previous studies have shown gender differences favoring men. The research addresses the ongoing nature-nurture debate by examining the contributions of top-down (strategy-related), bottom-up (stimulus-related), and cognitive traits to MR performance and neural activation. Four experiments are conducted to: (1) investigate gender-specific strategy preferences in MR tasks; (2) characterize the neural correlates of MR and their modulation by imagery strategies; (3) compare brain activations related to different MR stimuli (abstract, manipulable, and bodily); and (4) assess the impact of individual cognitive traits on MR performance and brain activity. This comprehensive approach aims to provide deeper insights into the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying gender differences in MR, with implications for understanding disparities in STEM-related fields.