Can spatial aptitude tests help predict your success as an engineer?

Spatial-test

Do you enjoy taking these tests?  I know I do.

On reviewing results from similar types of spatial aptitude tests, the results are basically: men test better than women, and those who test well make good engineers.  This may be so (my sister, however, did well on these tests—she happens to be an electrical engineer), but I am interested in knowing if these tests can determine how good an engineer you might be, or if we can somehow use spatial tests to help us improve our abilities as engineers, or if this is just the way we
are wired.

After extensive research (okay, I spent about 30 minutes Googling), I could not find any research on this.  I would be very interested in knowing if the winners of the SolidWorks World Model Mania contest would also test higher than other
engineers at special tests.  I wonder if we could expand our engineering skills by taking more tests.  Could those who do not test well on such tests improve over time?

Any professors doing research on these topics: I would enjoy hearing from you. And to all of the SolidWorks users out there, I’d love to hear your thoughts as well. Leave them in the comments section below.

Cliff Medling

Cliff Medling is a Senior Marketing Manager at SolidWorks and the host for the Born to Design Podcast.