Study Details

Title:

Drawing ability and spatial cognition

Researcher:

Emily Willoughby   

Contact:

"Emily Willoughby" <willo074@umn.edu>

Term:

Spring 2026

Description:

Why do some people draw better than others? In this 90-minute in-lab study in Elliott Hall (N408), you’ll take a short survey, complete two quick computer tasks (a 16-item reasoning test and a spatial puzzle game), and do two timed drawing challenges: first you’ll copy a line drawing of an everyday object as accurately as you can, and later you’ll draw a full-body cat sitting in side view from memory. The goal is to understand why some people are better at drawing than others—and how drawing skill relates to broader thinking and spatial abilities.

Delivery Format:

Live (in-person or remote)

Maximum number of sessions:

1

Maximum Time Commitment:

120 minutes

Maximum REP Point Award:

5

Requirements:

• 18 and over