title: Contributions of domain-general cognitive resources and different forms of arithmetic development to pre-algebraic knowledge.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the contributions of domain-general cognitive resources and different forms of arithmetic development to individual differences in pre-algebraic knowledge. Children (n = 279, mean age = 7.59 years) were assessed on 7 domain-general cognitive resources as well as arithmetic calculations and word problems at start of 2nd grade and on calculations, word problems, and pre-algebraic knowledge at end of 3rd grade. Multilevel path analysis, controlling for instructional effects associated with the sequence of classrooms in which students were nested across Grades 2-3, indicated arithmetic calculations and word problems are foundational to pre-algebraic knowledge. Also, results revealed direct contributions of nonverbal reasoning and oral language to pre-algebraic knowledge, beyond indirect effects that are mediated via arithmetic calculations and word problems. By contrast, attentive behavior, phonological processing, and processing speed contributed to pre-algebraic knowledge only indirectly via arithmetic calculations and word problems.
authors.affiliation: Department of Special Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37203, USA. lynn.fuchs@vanderbilt.edu
authors.forename: Lynn S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Fuchs
authors.forename: Donald L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Compton
authors.forename: Douglas
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fuchs
authors.forename: Sarah R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Powell
authors.forename: Robin F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Schumacher
authors.forename: Carol L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Hamlett
authors.forename: Emily
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Vernier
authors.forename: Jessica M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Namkung
authors.forename: Rose K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Vukovic
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007206:Individuality; D019359:Knowledge; D007802:Language; D008297:Male; D008433:Mathematics; D008570:Memory, Short-Term; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009042:Motivation; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011340:Problem Solving / Q000502:physiology*