Cited by 1,501Cognitive and developmental aspects of mathematical skillsDevelopmental and Educational NeuropsychologyCognitive Abilities and Testing

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Executive Functioning as a Predictor of Children's Mathematics Ability: Inhibition, Switching, and Working Memory

Bull, Rebecca, Scerif, Gaia·2001·Developmental Neuropsychology

DOI 10.1207/s15326942dn1903_3

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Abstract

Children's mathematical skills were considered in relation to executive functions. Using multiple measures--including the Wisconsin Card Sorting Task (WCST), dual-task performance, Stroop task, and counting span-it was found that mathematical ability was significantly correlated with all measures of executive functioning, with the exception of dual-task performance. Furthermore, regression analyses revealed that each executive function measure predicted unique variance in mathematics ability. These results are discussed in terms of a central executive with diverse functions (Shallice & Burgess, 1996) and with recent evidence from Miyake, et al. (2000) showing the unity and diversity among executive functions. It is proposed that the particular difficulties for children of lower mathematical ability are lack of inhibition and poor working memory, which result in problems with switching and evaluation of new strategies for dealing with a particular task. The practical and theoretical implications of these results are discussed, along with suggestions for task changes and longitudinal studies that would clarify theoretical and developmental issues related to executive functioning.

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Mousavi, S. T., Jamali, G., & Raji, P. (2023) · Applied Neuropsychology Child · doi:10.1080/21622965.2023.2270755 · Cited by 9
“This supports previous research that has also found significant differences in EF between children with SLD and TD children (Bull & Scerif, 2001; Fadaei et al., 2017; Nesayan et al., 2018).”
A national randomized controlled trial of the impact of public Montessori preschool at the end of kindergarten
Lillard, A. S., Loeb, D., Berg, J., Escueta, M., Manship, K., Hauser, A., & Daggett, E. D. (2025) · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences · doi:10.1073/pnas.2506130122 · Cited by 18
Förderung von Kindern mit isolierter Rechenschwäche und kombinierter Rechen- und Leseschwäche: Evaluation eines numerischen Förderprogramms für Grundschüler
Wißmann, J., Heine, A., Handl, P., & Jacobs, A. M. (2013) · Lernen und Lernstörungen · doi:10.1024/2235-0977/a000033 · Cited by 9
The Effect of Self‐Control on Attentional Bias for Alcohol Cues in Male Heavy Drinkers1
Teunissen, H. A., Spijkerman, R., Schoenmakers, T. M., Vohs, K. D., & Engels, R. C. M. E. (2011) · Journal of Applied Social Psychology · doi:10.1111/j.1559-1816.2011.00800.x · Cited by 9
“It has been found that higher educated individuals perform better on measures of executive functioning than do lower educated individuals (Bull & Scerif, 2001).”
Background
Relationship between the hybrid model of executive functions and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Ramos-Galarza, C., & Salas, C. P. P. (2015) · psicología desde el caribe · doi:10.14482/psdc.32.2.5986 · Cited by 17
The Effect of Central Executive Load on Adult’s Strategy Using in Computational Estimation
Si, J., Yang, J., Guo-Jing, J. I. A., & Chao, Z. H. O. U. (2013) · Acta Psychologica Sinica · doi:10.3724/sp.j.1041.2012.01490 · Cited by 10
Virtual Intervention Programme to Improve the Working Memory and Basic Mathematical Skills in Early Childhood Education
Fernández-Abella, R., Peralbo, M., Durán-Bouza, M., Brenlla-Blanco, J.-C., & García-Fernández, M. (2018) · Revista de Psicodidáctica (English ed ) · doi:10.1016/j.psicoe.2018.09.003 · Cited by 9
“They entail the use of lgorithmic and heuristic procedures as well as the analysis and able 1 ynthesis of the research on the relationship between EF and BMSs Authorship Variables Sample Bull and Scerif (2001) – EF – BMS 93 M = 7 y. (SD = 3.”
Method
Parietal alpha-based inhibitory abilities are causally linked to numerosity discrimination
Labree, B., Corrie, H., Karolis, V. R., Didino, D., & Cappelletti, M. (2020) · Behavioural Brain Research · doi:10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112564 · Cited by 9
Children’s number sequences as predictors of later mathematical development
Wilkins, J. L. M., Woodward, D. R., & Norton, A. (2020) · Mathematics Education Research Journal · doi:10.1007/s13394-020-00317-y · Cited by 9
The role of numeracy skills on the Wisconsin card sorting test (WCST) performances of 5‐ to 8‐Year‐old turkish children
Söğüt, M., Göksun, T., & Atalay, A. A. (2020) · British Journal of Developmental Psychology · doi:10.1111/bjdp.12353 · Cited by 10
Cognitive regulation outdoes behavior regulation in predicting state standardized test scores over time
Modrek, A., & Ramirez, G. (2020) · Metacognition and Learning · doi:10.1007/s11409-020-09242-8 · Cited by 12
Mapping components of verbal and visuospatial working memory to mathematical topics in seven‐ to fifteen‐year‐olds
Gordon, R., Morais, D. S. D., Whitelock, E., & Mukarram, A. (2021) · British Journal of Educational Psychology · doi:10.1111/bjep.12440 · Cited by 10
“This is at odds with research that suggests increases in mathematical ability as children grow older are related to increases in executive abilities (Bull & Scerif, 2001), but is supported by recent evidence that inhibition is less important in mathematics as children grow older and other factors,…”
Cognitive Flexibility Levels, Learning Approaches and Learning Strategies of The Medical Students
Toraman, Ç., Koşan, A. M. A., & Yurdal, M. O. (2020) · Tıp Eğitimi Dünyası · doi:10.25282/ted.589099 · Cited by 8
Cross- and Within-Domain Associations of Early Reading and Mathematical Skills: Changes Across the Preschool Years
Kwok, F. Y., Bull, R., & Múñez, D. (2021) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.710470 · Cited by 10
Self-citation
Factors associated with classroom participation in preschool through third grade learners on the autism spectrum
Sparapani, N., Tseng, N., Towers, L., Birkeneder, S., Karimi, S. S., Alexander, C. J., Garcia, J. V., Wood, T. S., & Nunnally, A. D. (2023) · Research in Autism · doi:10.1016/j.rasd.2023.102186 · Cited by 9
Estructura de la memoria operativa: comparando diferentes modelos en la infancia
Injoque‐Ricle, I., Barreyro, J. P., & Burín, D. I. (2012) · Escritos de Psicología / Psychological Writings · doi:10.5231/psy.writ.2012.1904 · Cited by 9
Attention Switching and Multimedia Learning: The Impact of Executive Resources on the Integrative Comprehension of Texts and Pictures
Baadte, C., Rasch, T., & Honstein, H. (2014) · Scandinavian Journal of Educational Research · doi:10.1080/00313831.2014.965785 · Cited by 11
“In addition, the construct of the central executive has been specified (e.g., Baddeley, 1996; Bull & Scerif, 2001; Miyake, Friedman, Emerson, Witzki, & Howerter, 2000).”
BackgroundInfluential
Relations Between Executive Functioning and Academic Performance in Adolescents with Neurofibromatosis-1
Janke, K. M., Klein-Tasman, B., Garwood, M. M., Davies, W. H., Trapane, P. L. S., & Holman, K. S. (2014) · Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities · doi:10.1007/s10882-014-9375-3 · Cited by 9
“Reiter and colleagues found that children diagnosed with Reading Disorder had difficulty with tasks requiring inhibition and working memory, which is consistent with findings that these skills are important for acquiring early reading skills such as letter knowledge and phonological awareness (Blair and Razza 2007; Bu…”
Background
Clarifying process versus structure in human intelligence: Stop talking about fluid and crystallized
Johnson, W., & Gottesman, I. I. (2006) · Behavioral and Brain Sciences · doi:10.1017/s0140525x06329032 · Cited by 9
Understanding developmental changes in the stability and flexibility of spatial categories based on object relatedness.
Hund, A. M., & Foster, E. (2008) · Developmental Psychology · doi:10.1037/0012-1649.44.1.218 · Cited by 9
“…when making inferences , indicating that cognitive flexibility increases across early childhood ( see also Blaye & Bonthoux , 2001 ; Brace , Morton , & Munakata , 2006 ; Bull & Scerif , 2001 ; Diamond & Doar , 1989 ; Kirkham , Cruess , & Diamond , 2003 ; Yerys & Munakata , 2006 ; Zelazo et al .”
Background
Numerical Magnitude Skills in 6-Years-Old Children: Exploring Specific Associations with Components of Executive Function
Gashaj, V., Uehlinger, Y., & Roebers, C. M. (2016) · Journal of Educational and Developmental Psychology · doi:10.5539/jedp.v6n1p157 · Cited by 9
“This is because components of executive function are related to other preschool numerical abilities, such as number recognition, counting and subitizing (Bull, Espy, & Wiebe, 2008; Bull, Espy, Wiebe, Sheffield, & Nelson, 2011; Bull & Scerif, 2001; Espy et al., 2004).”
Background
Analog Origins of Numerical Concepts
Cantlon, J. F. (2015) · Advances in mathematical cognition and learning · doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-420133-0.00009-0 · Cited by 10
Mathematics Performance of the Primary School Students: Attention and Shifting
Poorghorban, M., Jabbari, S., & Chamandar, F. (2018) · Journal of Education and Learning · doi:10.5539/jel.v7n3p117 · Cited by 13
“This finding does not confirm other studies carried out on attention (e.g., McCloskey, Perkins, & Van Divner, 2008; Bull & Scerif, 2001; Presto, Heaton, McCann, Watson, & Selke, 2009; Valera & Seidman, 2006; Seidman, 2006), which have shown that a major part of the problems in all educational areas…”
BackgroundResultInfluential
Hypersensitivity-to-Interference in Memory as a Possible Cause of Difficulty in Arithmetic Facts Storing
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Replication Research to Support Mathematical Learning of Students with Extensive Support Needs
Root, J. R., Jimenez, B., Saunders, A. F., & Stanger, C. A. (2020) · Exceptionality · doi:10.1080/09362835.2020.1743708 · Cited by 9
Early visual deprivation does not prevent the emergence of basic numerical abilities in blind children
Crollen, V., Warusfel, H., Noël, M., & Collignon, O. (2021) · Cognition · doi:10.1016/j.cognition.2021.104586 · Cited by 11
“While a reliable association has been observed between the central executive and arithmetic problem solving (Bull & Scerif, 2001; De Smedt et al., 2009; Gathercole & Pickering, 2000; Geary, Hamson, & Hoard, 2000; No ¨ el, 2009; Passo-lunghi, Vercelloni & Schadee, 2007), the association between…”
Bridging the Gap between Advantaged and Disadvantaged Children: Why Should We Be Concerned with Executive Functions in the South African Context?.
Fitzpatrick, C. (2014) · South African Journal of Childhood Education · Cited by 9
Parasympathetic Nervous System Reactivity Moderates Associations Between Children’s Executive Functioning and Social and Academic Competence
McQuade, J. D., Penzel, T. E., Silk, J. S., & Lee, K. H. (2017) · Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology · doi:10.1007/s10802-016-0246-5 · Cited by 10
Preschool Mathematics Performance and Executive Function: Rural-Urban Comparisons across Time
Esplin, J. A., Austin, A. M. B., Blevins‐Knabe, B., Neilson, B. G., & CORWYN, R. F. (2020) · Journal of Research in Childhood Education · doi:10.1080/02568543.2020.1736219 · Cited by 9
“Given the relatively few number of studies on EF, numeracy, and geometry and the salience of the rural-urban context to early childhood development, this study had the following aims:”
BackgroundInfluential
Self-Regulation and Mathematics Performance in German and Iranian Students of More and Less Math-Related Fields of Study
Nemati, P., Gawrilow, C., Nuerk, H., & Kühnhausen, J. (2020) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.489371 · Cited by 8
“A large body of research connects self-regulation with different academic achievements, such as successful mathematics performance (e.g., Zimmerman, 1990; Bull and Scerif, 2001; Camahalan, 2006; Fuchs et al., 2006; Blair and Razza, 2007; Labuhn et al., 2010; McClelland et al., 2010; Otts, 2010; von Suchodoletz and Gun…”
Background
Sensorimotor ability and inhibitory control independently predict attainment in mathematics in children and adolescents
Pickavance, J., Giles, O. T., Morehead, J. R., Mushtaq, F., Wilkie, R. M., & Mon-Williams, M. A. (2022) · Journal of Neurophysiology · doi:10.1152/jn.00365.2021 · Cited by 8
The role of domain general factors (spatial, executive function, working memory, attention and fine motor skills) in numerical processing in early childhood
Ashkenazi, S., & Adi, A. (2022) · Current Psychology · doi:10.1007/s12144-022-03350-1 · Cited by 10
“While one study demonstrated a relationship (Kroesbergen et al., 2009), other studies have not (Bull & Scerif, 2001; Clair-Thompson & Gathercole, 2006).”
Result
Exploring the Mediating Role of Executive Function in the Relationship between Aerobic Fitness and Academic Achievement in Adolescents
Park, S., Chun, H., Etnier, J. L., & Yun, D. (2023) · Brain Sciences · doi:10.3390/brainsci13040614 · Cited by 10
“These relationships are consistently demonstrated across a range of studies [19,21,22].”
Background
How Do Executive Functions Influence Children’s Reasoning About Counterintuitive Concepts in Mathematics and Science?
Dumontheil, I., Wilkinson, H. R., Farran, E. K., Smid, C. R., Modhvadia, R., Denis Mareschal, B., the UnLocke team, Bell, D., Brookman-Byrne, A., Gauthier, A., et al. (2023) · Journal of Cognitive Enhancement · doi:10.1007/s41465-023-00271-0 · Cited by 8
“…greater associations have been found between IC and mathematics in younger children (Blair & Razza, 2007; Espy et al., 2004) than older children (Bull & Scerif, 2001; Brookman-Byrne et al., 2018; Cragg et al, 2017; Donati et al., 2019; Szűcs et al., 2013, 2014), while associations between WM…”
A biopsychological–social view of mathematical development
Szűcs, D., & Mammarella, I. C. (2023) · Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences · doi:10.1016/j.cobeha.2023.101332 · Cited by 15
“Similar questions can be raised about executive functions, particularly inhibition and task-switching skills [107,22,13].”
Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Intervention in Improving Executive Function of Children with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-analysis
Singh, K., Pany, S., Mohanty, S. P., Sahoo, P. K., & Rana, S. (2024) · International Journal of Special Education (IJSE) · doi:10.52291/ijse.2024.39.2 · Cited by 8
The neural correlates of response inhibition across the transition from infancy to toddlerhood: An fNIRS study
Fiske, A., Collins-Jones, L. H., de Klerk, C. C. J. M., Lui, K. Y. K., Hendry, A. J., Greenhalgh, I., Hall, A., Dvergsdal, H., Scerif, G., & Holmboe, K. (2024) · Imaging Neuroscience · doi:10.1162/imag_a_00206 · Cited by 13
“Importantly, early inhibitory control is predictive of several outcomes later in life, such as self-regulation ( Nigg, 2017), academic skills ( Bull & Scerif, 2001; St Clair-Thompson & Gathercole, 2006), adolescent EF ( Friedman et al., 2011), and health and well-being in adolescence and adulthood…”
BackgroundSelf-citation

Authors: Bull, R., & Scerif, G.
Affiliations: University of Aberdeen (GB)
ORCID: Bull, Rebecca
Scerif, Gaia
Venue: Developmental Neuropsychology
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Published: 2001-06
Volume: 19
Issue: 3
Pages: 273-293
ISSN: 1532-6942 (ISSN-L)
8756-5641
DOI: 10.1207/s15326942dn1903_3
OpenAlex: W2142887785
Semantic Scholar: 813c3c045849f82cac2db2f26cee0ca306349f28
Cited by: 1,501
References: 67
Citations by year: 2026: 32 · 2025: 45 · 2024: 46 · 2023: 84 · 2022: 82 · 2021: 64 · 2020: 78 · 2019: 96 · 2018: 112 · 2017: 101 · 2016: 81 · 2015: 76 · 2014: 103 · 2013: 97 · 2012: 80
FWCI: 13.01
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: Developmental Neuropsychology (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders: Nuffield Foundation
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Cognitive and developmental aspects of mathematical skills
Social Sciences › Psychology › Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology › Developmental and Educational Neuropsychology
Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Cognitive Abilities and Testing
Keywords: executive function, mathematical ability, children, inhibition, cognitive flexibility, working memory, central executive, dual-task performance, Stroop task, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, strategy evaluation
MeSH terms: Child, Cognition, Female, Humans, Inhibition, Psychological, Male, Mathematics, Memory

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Executive Functioning as a Predictor of Children's Mathematics Ability: Inhibition, Switching, and Working Memory

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