title: The Cognitive Predictors of Computational Skill with Whole versus Rational Numbers: An Exploratory Study.
abstract: The purpose of the present study was to explore the 3(rd)-grade cognitive predictors of 5th-grade computational skill with rational numbers and how those are similar to and different from the cognitive predictors of whole-number computational skill. Students (n = 688) were assessed on incoming whole-number calculation skill, language, nonverbal reasoning, concept formation, processing speed, and working memory in the fall of 3(rd) grade. Students were followed longitudinally and assessed on calculation skill with whole numbers and with rational numbers in the spring of 5(th) grade. The unique predictors of skill with whole-number computation were incoming whole-number calculation skill, nonverbal reasoning, concept formation, and working memory (numerical executive control). In addition to these cognitive abilities, language emerged as a unique predictor of rational-number computational skill.
authors.affiliation: Vanderbilt University.
authors.forename: Pamela M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Seethaler
authors.forename: Lynn S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Fuchs
authors.forename: Jon R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Star
authors.forename: Joan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bryant