Cognitive correlates of arithmetic performance in clinic referred children
Date
1982
Authors
Tuokko, Holly A.
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Abstract
The purpose of this research was to investigate, from quantitative and qualitative viewpoints, the relationship between cognitive functioning and arithmetic performance. Using multiple correlations, the performance of one hundred and thirty-five clinic-referred children on the Arithmetic subtests of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) and Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT) was examined in relation to performance on Verbal, Spatial and Memory dimensions (as measured by the WISC). In addition, a subtyping procedure was used to examine whether the pattern of Arithmetic performance was related to pattern of cognitive abilities. A replication of the preceeding was undertaken on a sample of three hundred and fifteen school-referred children. The qualitative approach involved analysis of errors made on arithmetic-related tasks by eighteen learning disabled children.
The results indicated that the Verbal and/or Memory dimensions consistently contributed to arithmetic performance although the relative contributions of each varied by sex, age and across samples. Qualitative analysis of the performance of children with severely impaired Verbal and Memory abilities was characterized by errors reflecting impaired recollection of basic facts and faulty acquisition of certain mathematical concepts. Contrary to expectations, the Spatial dimension only contributed to the Wechsler Arithmetic subtest for the second sample.
Pattern of cognitive ability had no relationship to the pattern of Arithmetic performance but level of Verbal and Memory abilities differed in relation to pattern of Arithmetic performance.
It was suggested that Spatial ability is necessary to acquire an appreciation of numeration and serves as a basis for the development of mathematical ability but beyond this basis, the degree to which an individual acquires the ability to abstract plays a role in arithmetic performance. Implications and suggestions for future research are briefly presented.