In this thesis I attempt to determine the characteristics of an ideal mental rotation paradigm, for use in neuroimaging experiments relating to spatial skills. Stimulus type was manipulated to determine whether internal or external stimuli are more suitable. Trial pacing was manipulated to determine the ideal stimulus observation time, a interstimulus interval is manipulated to probe the limits of visuospatial memory during a mental rotation task. External stimuli were found to be more appropriate than body-related stimuli. 3.5 s was determined to be the ideal stimulus observation time. Interstimulus intervals of up to 1 s were determined to be appropriate for the mental rotation task.