Abstract:
The purpose of this research was to develop and validate a causal relationship
model of Spatial Ability, Intuitive Geometry and Geometrical Achievement. The model
comprise of five latent variables: spatial visualization, spatial orientation, spatial relation,
intuitive geometry, and geometrical achievement. The sample was recruited from 400
grade elevenstudents (first semester of academic year 2015) in Champasak Province,
Lao Peoples Democratic Republic. The sample was selected by multi-stage random
sampling. The research instruments included Spatial Ability test, Intuitive Geometry test,
and Geometrical Achievement test. Item quality analysis was conducted using TAP,
descriptive statistics analysis was generated using SPSS, and causal relationship model
was analyzed using LISREL 8.8.
Results indicated that the causal relationship model of Spatial Ability, Intuitive
Geometry and Geometrical Achievement was consistent with the empirical data:
Chi-square test of goodness of fit = 97.98, df = 88,
2
/df = 1.11, p = .22, GFI = .97,
AGFI = .95, CFI = 1.00, NFI = .99, NNFI =1.00,SRMR = .03, RMSEA= .02. The variables in
the model accounted for 53% of the variance in geometrical achievement. Spatial
visualization and spatial orientation had a positive direct effect on intuitive geometry.
Spatial relation had a positive direct and indirect effect on geometrical achievement.
Intuitive geometry had a positive direct effect on geometrical achievement.
In conclusion, intuitive geometry were the main causes influencing of
geometrical achievement followed by Spatial Visualization, Spatial Relation, and
Spatial Orientation respectively.