In the latest study of differences in spatial understanding between men and women, it would appear that while men can read maps better, women are best at remembering routes. According to the article, "The male approach is the most useful for hunting down prey but the female approach is better for gathering growing food."
While we're on the topic of navigation, I'd like to mention a recent article in Slate about perceptions about north and south and how people perceive distances differently based on compass direction. It reminds me of the common misconception that all rivers flow south.
Comments
What a bunch of baloney! The difference is between spatially oriented people and sequentially oriented people, not sex, although men really do NOT like to ask for directions. I am a woman and I prefer a map rather than verbal directions. I also majored in geography and love maps. I am not so good at math because I am spatial, not sequential. Geography was easier for me thatn other disciplines. However, I did get an A in Calculus. I think you can’t make assumptions like this artical does.
My wife is the opposite — whenever I want to ask directions of strangers, she always cautions me not to, regardless of how safe-looking the person or the neighborhood appears.
ever seen a female trying to decipher a street directory, it’s very funny to watch. first the book is held upside down then side ways and they still cannot comprehend how to read it. i would assume all street directories are produced with the arrow on each map pointing north but they cannot fathom it out,in the end it is always the male’s fault as he should know where he is going.