Spatial language and mental transformation in preschoolers: Does relational reasoning matter?

Abstract There is a consensus that spatial language supports reasoning. However, it remains question of how specific terms (e.g., prepositions) relate to distinct skills are critical for cognition mental transformation). We asked whether 1) preschoolers’ skills, particularly knowledge postpositions, were linked their transformation abilities, and 2) other cognitive factors such as reasoning about relations associated with this link. Turkish-speaking preschool-aged children (Mage = 53 months) completed (i.e., postposition comprehension production), transformation), relational reasoning, inhibition, general vocabulary tasks. Results showed older performed better on all tasks, except the one. Children's performance was performance, beyond inhibition. These findings present evidence link between from Turkish-learning emphasize role transformation.