Academic Journal

How Are Spatial Ability and Math Related? The Mediating Roles of Numerical Magnitude Knowledge, Understanding of Arithmetic Operations, and Word-Problem Representation

Bibliographic Details
Title: How Are Spatial Ability and Math Related? The Mediating Roles of Numerical Magnitude Knowledge, Understanding of Arithmetic Operations, and Word-Problem Representation
Authors: Leung, Chloe Oi-Ying (ORCID 0000-0001-5116-5663), Wong, Terry Tin-Yau (ORCID 0000-0002-7377-2453)
Source: Journal of Educational Psychology. Oct 2023 115(7):969-984.
Abstract: The current study investigated the relation between spatial ability and children's math performance, as well as the potential mechanisms underlying this relation including numerical magnitude knowledge, understanding of arithmetic operations, and word-problem representation. A sample of 221 Asian sixth graders (age 11, 129 boys) completed a series of tasks measuring their spatial abilities, math performance, the potential mechanisms underlying the space-math relation, along with other potential confounding factors such as intelligence and working memory. Results indicated that spatial ability was significantly associated with math performance beyond the effects of controlled variables. Additionally, numerical magnitude knowledge, understanding of arithmetic operations, and word-problem representation were found to partially mediate the relation between spatial ability and math performance. These findings clarify the mechanisms underlying the space--math relation.
Language: English
Availability: American Psychological Association. Journals Department, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002. Tel: 800-374-2721; Tel: 202-336-5510; Fax: 202-336-5502; e-mail: order@apa.org; Web site: http://www.apa.org
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 16
Publication Date: 2023
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Grade 6
Intermediate Grades
Middle Schools
Descriptors: Spatial Ability, Mathematics Achievement, Knowledge Level, Arithmetic, Mathematics Skills, Word Problems (Mathematics), Grade 6, Intelligence, Short Term Memory, Correlation, Elementary School Students, Foreign Countries
Geographic Terms: Hong Kong
DOI: 10.1037/edu0000817
ISSN: 0022-0663
1939-2176
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2023
Accession Number: EJ1394886
ISSN: 0022-06631939-2176
DOI: 10.1037/edu0000817
Database: ERIC