Manual spatial ability is the main Mediator of sex differences in multitasking performance

Women are often portrayed as superior multitaskers, yet empirical findings are mixed and studies in operational context– with potential mediators measured– remain limited. Prior work has identified mental spatial ability as a mediator of sex differences in multitasking favoring men. A validation or refutation of those findings, and a nuanced understanding of the mediation of possible sex differences, are key deliveries for evidence-based selection for high-risk professions. We analyzed data from 2742 pilot school applicants with no previous training, to examine sex differences in multitasking and their potential mediation by spatial and cognitive abilities. The candidates completed a concurrent multitasking test (five tasks; N = 1028), a joystick-based manual spatial ability test (N = 1110), a mental spatial ability test (N = 2203), and an abstract problem-solving (matrices) test (N = 2700). All scores were standardized (M = 0, SD = 1), and group differences were assessed with Welch's T-test, and a SEM estimated indirect effects of sex on multitasking via manual spatial ability, mental spatial ability and abstract problem-solving. Men were stronger at multitasking and the sex difference was fully statistically mediated, predominantly by manual – not mental – spatial ability. The strongest single predictor of multitasking performance in women was manual spatial ability; among men it was abstract problem-solving ability. Our analyses distinguish the role of manual spatial skills– as opposed to mental– in explaining observed sex differences in multitasking. These findings are of relevance for evidence-based selection and targeted training in operational professions. • We analyzed selection test data from 2742 pilot school applicants. • Men were stronger at multitasking. • Sex difference fully mediated, mainly by manual– not mental– spatial ability. • Findings are of relevance for evidence-based selection in operational professions.