Development of three-dimensional mental rotation ability from infancy to preschool age: A longitudinal study

Understanding infants' ability to visualise and recognise objects in a three-dimensional world is essential, given its crucial role in the navigation of real-world situations and its implications for academic success. The present longitudinal study investigated the development of three-dimensional mental rotation (3D-MR) from infancy to preschool age. We tested 9-month-old infants (N = 24; 14 males), with a 3D-MR habituation paradigm. The same children were subsequently tested at 4.5 to 6 years with an age-adjusted 3D-MR task. Results revealed significant and highly positive correlations between infants' and preschoolers' 3D-MR performances. Exploratory analysis of the role of motor development in 3D-MR revealed a substantial association between crawling status and MR in preschoolers, as well as a link with 3D-MR and concurrent motor skills in preschoolers. Our findings corroborate evidence for a strong connection between infant and preschool MR and lay the groundwork for future studies investigating the role of motor experiences as a potential driving factor for 3D-MR.