Menstrual phase influences gender differences in visual dependence: A study with a computerised Rod and Frame Test

Authors: Abdul Razzak, R., Bagust, J., Docherty, S., Hasan, Z., Irshad, Y. and Rabiah, A.

Journal: Journal of Cognitive Psychology

Volume: 27

Issue: 1

Pages: 80-88

eISSN: 2044-592X

ISSN: 2044-5911

DOI: 10.1080/20445911.2014.976227

Abstract:

Previous mechanical Rod and Frame Test (RFT) studies suggested gender and menstrual cycle effects on visual vertical perception with evidence from other studies on spatial tests showing large gender effects in their original form and a decreased gender difference effect on the computerised versions. We investigated whether gender and menstrual cycle effects on visual dependence can be maintained on a computerised version of the RFT (CRFT) in 30 males, 30 females in the follicular phase and 22 females in the midluteal phase. No difference was found between the errors of the male and female groups in the presence of an untilted frame (0°, Frame0°). With a tilted frame (Frame±18°) presentation, males and females in the follicular phase had significantly smaller errors than females in the midluteal phase. These results confirm findings of a male advantage on the RFT and also indicate that menstrual cycle phase does affect gender differences in visual dependence on the CRFT; thus, caution with RFT results is recommended when female subjects are involved.

Source: Scopus