Mental rotation refers to moving things around in your mind. It is one of the main visuospatial skills we all have…in different degrees, yes.
Here’s an example. Please picture in your mind an arrow pointing to the right. Now, turn this arrow so it points to the left. Done? You have just performed a mental rotation.
Although it is rare to consciously imagine objects moving, we use this cognitive ability when reading maps, using tools, playing chess, arranging furniture, driving in traffic, etc. Mental rotation relies mostly on the parietal areas of your brain (yellow section in the brain image to the right).
Here is a mental exercise to stimulate your mental rotation skills.
- The top shape is your model.
- Among the 3 shapes below the model, only one matches the model. To figure out which one does, you will probably have to move the shapes around in your mind.
- Move the shapes from left to right or right to left but DO NOT FLIP them around.
First set: The second shape matches the model.
Second set: The second shape matches the model.
Third set: The first shape matches the model.
Pascale Michelon, PhD, is a scientist, educator, and contributing author to The SharpBrains Guide to Brain Fitness: How to Optimize Brain Health and Performance at Any Age.
For more fun mental exercise, try these Top 25 Brain Teasers, Games & Illusions for Adults.