U-shaped development in math: 7-year-olds outperform 9-year-olds on equivalence problems.
What is the nature of the association between age (7-11 years) and performance on mathematical equivalence problems (e.g., 7+4+5+7+_)? Many prevailing theories suggest that there should be a positive association. However, change-resistance accounts (e.g., N. M. McNeil & M. W. Alibali, 2005b) predict a U-shaped association. The purpose of the present research was to test these differing predictions. Results from two studies supported a change-resistance account. In the first study (N=87), performance on equivalence problems declined between the ages of 7 and 9 and improved between the ages of 9 and 11. The decrements in performance between the ages of 7 and 9 were then replicated in a second study (N=35). Results suggest that the association between age and performance on equivalence problems is U-shaped.
McNeil
Nicole M
NM
Department of Psychology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA. nmcneil@nd.edu
D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008433:Mathematics; D008960:Models, Psychological; D011340:Problem Solving; D012044:Regression Analysis; D015203:Reproducibility of Results