Abstract

In their classical study, Sheppard and Metzler (1971) demonstrated that the speed of mental rotation of objects is linearly proportional to the angle that the objects should be rotated. However, Flusberg & Boroditsky, (2011) assume that depending on the instruction distinct processes take part in mental rotation task. The results of their empirical study usually are interpreted in favor of necessity to assume that dual processes (and hence dual representations) exist in human cognitive system. We conducted an experiment that confirms the hypothesis that different strategies, not different processes underlie the results of Flusberg & Boroditsky, (2011).

Nevertheless that the topic may seem too specialized, it supports the embodied view to human cognition. In this way, the findings have not only theoretical merits, but can be of high interest for education planning. Studying the effects of the body on the mind contributes the education planning and has an increasing role in mathematics education and problem solving issues in high school, college and beyond.