Knowing when to fold 'em: Problem attributes and strategy differences in the Paper Folding test

Spatial visualization—the ability to mentally imagine and manipulate objects—has frequently been measured using the Paper Folding Test (PFT). In this task, participants view diagrams of a paper being folded and a hole being punched. They then identify the resulting punch pattern. Although task instructions promote mentally unfolding the paper, the extent to which people follow this spatial visualization strategy is unknown. The present work assesses hypothesized PFT solution strategies and their relation to problem attributes. Accuracy was impacted by the interaction between fold types, linear mixed models revealed greater use of simple heuristics compared to the suggested unfolding. Furthermore, most participants used a single strategy but simple heuristics were more often used than unfolding. Given this, we recommend redesigning the PFT to utilize the prevalence of strategy use to assess individual differences. •Spatial visualization is often measured using the Paper Folding test.•Because participants are assumed to imagine unfolding the paper, as instructed.•We examined four possible strategies and their interaction with problem attributes.•Participants used simple heuristics and fold types predicted performance.•The Paper Folding test should be redesigned to assess strategy use.