title: Processing of space, time, and number contributes to mathematical abilities above and beyond domain-general cognitive abilities.
abstract: The current study investigated whether processing of number, space, and time contributes to mathematical abilities beyond previously known domain-general cognitive abilities in a sample of 8- to 10-year-old children (N=133). Multiple regression analyses revealed that executive functions and general intelligence predicted all aspects of mathematics and overall mathematical ability. Working memory capacity did not contribute significantly to our models, whereas spatial ability was a strong predictor of achievement. The study replicates earlier research showing that non-symbolic number processing seems to lose predictive power of mathematical abilities once the symbolic system is acquired. Novel findings include the fact that time discrimination ability was tied to calculation ability. Therefore, a conclusion is that magnitude processing in general contributes to mathematical achievement.
authors.affiliation: Department of Behavioral Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden. Electronic address: kenny.skagerlund@liu.se.
authors.forename: Kenny
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Skagerlund
authors.affiliation: Department of Behavioral Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden.
authors.forename: Ulf
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Träff
mesh_terms: D001076:Aptitude / Q000502:physiology*; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development / Q000502:physiology; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D056344:Executive Function; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007360:Intelligence / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008433:Mathematics; D008570:Memory, Short-Term; D008606:Mental Processes / Q000502:physiology; D013028:Space Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D013998:Time Perception / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: Domain-general abilities; Magnitude processing; Mathematics development; Numerical cognition; Spatial processing; Temporal processing