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Some factors underlying mathematical performance: The role of visuospatial working memory and non-verbal intelligence

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Abstract

Passive and active visuospatial working memory (VSWM) were investigated in relation to maths performance. The mental rotation task was employed as a measure of active VSWM whereas passive VSWM was investigated using a modified Corsi Blocks task and a matrix pattern task. The Raven Progressive Matrices Test measured fluid intelligence. A total of 128 students, aged 15–16, served as participants. Fluid intelligence and passive VSWM accounted for variance in overall maths performance. Active VSWM exhibited significant correlations with maths measures, but in a series of regression analyses most of its effect was observed to be mediated by fluid intelligence. Different subscores of mathematical skills (geometry, word problems, and mental arithmetic) were accounted for by fluid intelligence and different measures of VSWM. The educational implications of the results are discussed.

Résumé

Les mémoires de travail visuo-spatiales passive et active (MTVS) ont été examinées en relation avec les performances en mathématiques. La tâche de rotation mentale a été examinée en utilisant un test “blocs de Corsi” modifié et un test de matrices. Le test des matrices progressives de Raven mesurait l’intelligence fluide. Un total de 128 élèves, âgés de 15 à 16 ans, ont participé. L’intelligence fluide et la MTVS passive étaient en cause pour les différences de performances en mathématiques de façon générale. La MTVS active a mis en avant des corrélations significatives avec les mesures de mathématiques, mais dans une série d’analyses de régression on a observé que la plupart de ses effets était transmis par l’intelligence fluide. Différents sous-résultats en capacités mathématiques (géométrie, problèmes de mots et arithmétique mentale) étaient expliqués par l’intelligence fluide et par différentes mesures de MTVS. Les implications éducationnelles sont discutées.

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  1. Faculty of Behavioural Sciences, Department of Applied Sciences of Education, Special Education, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 26, FIN-00014, Finland

    Minna Kyttälä

  2. Open University, Department of Applied Sciences of Education, Special Education, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 26, FIN-00014, Finland

    Juhani E. Lehto

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  1. Minna Kyttälä
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Kyttälä, M., Lehto, J.E. Some factors underlying mathematical performance: The role of visuospatial working memory and non-verbal intelligence. Eur J Psychol Educ 23, 77–94 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03173141

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