Working memory as a predictor of written arithmetical skills in children: The importance of central executive functions

Andersson, Ulf.

doi:10.1348/000709907x209854

Cited by 175Cognitive and developmental aspects of mathematical skillsCognitive Abilities and TestingDevelopmental and Educational Neuropsychology

Working memory as a predictor of written arithmetical skills in children: The importance of central executive functions

Andersson, Ulf.·2008·British Journal of Educational Psychology

DOI 10.1348/000709907x209854

Open this paper in CoChat — free account

Abstract

Background . The study was conducted in an attempt to further our understanding of how working memory contributes to written arithmetical skills in children. Aim . The aim was to pinpoint the contribution of different central executive functions and to examine the contribution of the two subcomponents of children's written arithmetical skills. Sample and method . A total of 141 third‐ and fourth‐graders were administered arithmetical tasks and measures of working memory, fluid IQ and reading. Regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between working memory and written arithmetical skills. Results . Three central executive measures (counting span, trail making and verbal fluency) and one phonological loop measure (Digit Span) were significant and predictors of arithmetical performance when the influence of reading, age and IQ was controlled for in the analysis. Conclusions . The present findings demonstrate that working memory, in general, and the central executive, in particular, contribute to children's arithmetical skills. It was hypothesized that monitoring and coordinating multiple processes, and accessing arithmetical knowledge from long‐term memory, are important central executive functions during arithmetical performance. The contribution of the phonological loop and the central executive (concurrent processing and storage of numerical information) indicates that children aged 9–10 years primarily utilize verbal coding strategies during written arithmetical performance.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1348/000709907x209854

Cites

87 of 87 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Recomputing p-values needs the paper’s full text.

Claims the paper makes

This paper’s full text isn’t openly available, so its claims and self-check weren’t run. The registry and citation checks still apply.

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

EF have been shown to explain at least as much variance in academic achievement as intelligence.
“In fact, EF have been shown to explain at least as much variance in academic achievement as intelligence (e.g., Swanson, 2004; Altemeier et al., 2008; Andersson, 2008; Alloway and Alloway, 2010; Lu et al., 2011)”
From Executive control training from middle childhood to adolescence (2014) · cites this paper as Andersson, 2008

Studies of interference in serial verbal reactions
Stroop, J. R. (1935) · Journal of Experimental Psychology · doi:10.1037/h0054651 · Cited by 18,622 · see citing works
The Unity and Diversity of Executive Functions and Their Contributions to Complex “Frontal Lobe” Tasks: A Latent Variable Analysis
Miyake, A., Friedman, N. P., Emerson, M. J., Witzki, A. H., Howerter, A., & Wager, T. D. (2000) · Cognitive Psychology · doi:10.1006/cogp.1999.0734 · Cited by 15,798 · see citing works
Working Memory
Baddeley, A. D., & Hitch, G. (1974) · Psychology of Learning and Motivation · doi:10.1016/s0079-7421(08)60452-1 · Cited by 9,860 · see citing works
The episodic buffer: a new component of working memory?
Baddeley, A. (2000) · Trends in Cognitive Sciences · doi:10.1016/s1364-6613(00)01538-2 · Cited by 7,359 · see citing works
Individual differences in working memory and reading
Daneman, M., & Carpenter, P. A. (1980) · Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior · doi:10.1016/s0022-5371(80)90312-6 · Cited by 6,336 · see citing works
Working memory, short-term memory, and general fluid intelligence: A latent-variable approach.
Engle, R. W., Tuholski, S. W., Laughlin, J. E., & Conway, A. R. A. (1999) · Journal of Experimental Psychology: General · doi:10.1037/0096-3445.128.3.309 · Cited by 3,078 · see citing works
Exploring the Central Executive
Baddeley, A. (1996) · The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology Section A · doi:10.1080/713755608 · Cited by 2,390 · see citing works
Word length and the structure of short-term memory
Baddeley, A. D., Thomson, N., & Buchanan, M. (1975) · Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior · doi:10.1016/s0022-5371(75)80045-4 · Cited by 1,980 · see citing works
Computerized training of working memory in children with ADHD – a randomized, controlled trial
Klingberg, T., Fernell, E., Olesen, P. J., Johnson, M., Gustafsson, P., Dahlström, K., Gillberg, C. G., Forssberg, H., & Westerberg, H. (2005) · Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry · doi:10.1097/00004583-200502000-00010 · Cited by 1,949 · see citing works
The Structure of Working Memory From 4 to 15 Years of Age
Gathercole, S. E., Pickering, S. J., Ambridge, B., & Wearing, H. (2004) · Developmental Psychology · doi:10.1037/0012-1649.40.2.177 · Cited by 1,795 · see citing works
Executive Functioning as a Predictor of Children's Mathematics Ability: Inhibition, Switching, and Working Memory
Bull, R., & Scerif, G. (2001) · Developmental Neuropsychology · doi:10.1207/s15326942dn1903_3 · Cited by 1,501 · see citing works
Working Memory: The Multiple-Component Model
Baddeley, A. D., & Logie, R. H. (1999) · Models of Working Memory · doi:10.1017/cbo9781139174909.005 · Cited by 1,374 · see citing works
Increased prefrontal and parietal activity after training of working memory
Olesen, P. J., Westerberg, H., & Klingberg, T. (2004) · Nature Neuroscience · doi:10.1038/nn1165 · Cited by 1,317 · see citing works
Dimensions of executive functioning: evidence from children
Lehto, J. E., Juujärvi, P., Kooistra, L., & Pulkkinen, L. (2003) · British Journal of Developmental Psychology · doi:10.1348/026151003321164627 · Cited by 1,226 · see citing works
Training of Working Memory in Children With ADHD
Klingberg, T., Forssberg, H., & Westerberg, H. (2002) · Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology · doi:10.1076/jcen.24.6.781.8395 · Cited by 1,225 · see citing works
Standard Progressive Matrices
(2012) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/springerreference_183812 · Cited by 1,218 · see citing works
Operational efficiency and the growth of short-term memory span
Case, R., Kurland, D. M., & Goldberg, J. S. (1982) · Journal of Experimental Child Psychology · doi:10.1016/0022-0965(82)90054-6 · Cited by 1,182 · see citing works
Mathematical disabilities: Cognitive, neuropsychological, and genetic components.
Geary, D. C. (1993) · Psychological Bulletin · doi:10.1037/0033-2909.114.2.345 · Cited by 1,069 · see citing works
Working memory skills and educational attainment: evidence from national curriculum assessments at 7 and 14 years of age
Gathercole, S. E., Pickering, S. J., Knight, C. J., & Stegmann, Z. (2003) · Applied Cognitive Psychology · doi:10.1002/acp.934 · Cited by 955 · see citing works
Visuo-spatial Working Memory
Logie, R. H. (2014) · doi:10.4324/9781315804743 · Cited by 933 · see citing works
The separability of working memory resources for spatial thinking and language processing: An individual differences approach.
Shah, P., & Miyake, A. (1996) · Journal of Experimental Psychology General · doi:10.1037/0096-3445.125.1.4 · Cited by 913 · see citing works
Visuo-spatial working memory
Ralston, G. E. (1995) · Choice Reviews Online · doi:10.5860/choice.33-0596 · Cited by 862 · see citing works
The Development of Working Memory in Normally Achieving and Subtypes of Learning Disabled Children
Siegel, L. S., & Ryan, E. B. (1989) · Child Development · doi:10.2307/1131037 · Cited by 842 · see citing works
The Development of Working Memory in Normally Achieving and Subtypes of Learning Disabled Children
Siegel, L. S., & Ryan, E. B. (1989) · Child Development · doi:10.1111/j.1467-8624.1989.tb03528.x · Cited by 837 · see citing works
Early Identification and Interventions for Students With Mathematics Difficulties
Gersten, R. M., Jordan, N. C., & Flojo, J. R. (2005) · Journal of Learning Disabilities · doi:10.1177/00222194050380040301 · Cited by 828 · see citing works
Working memory in children with reading disabilities
Gathercole, S. E., Alloway, T. P., Willis, C., & Adams, A.-M. (2006) · Journal of Experimental Child Psychology · doi:10.1016/j.jecp.2005.08.003 · Cited by 795 · see citing works
Cognitive arithmetic: A review of data and theory
Ashcraft, M. H. (1992) · Cognition · doi:10.1016/0010-0277(92)90051-i · Cited by 758 · see citing works
Working memory deficits in children with low achievements in the national curriculum at 7 years of age
Gathercole, S. E., & Pickering, S. J. (2000) · British Journal of Educational Psychology · doi:10.1348/000709900158047 · Cited by 685 · see citing works
The Relationship Between Working Memory and Mathematical Problem Solving in Children at Risk and Not at Risk for Serious Math Difficulties.
Swanson, H. L., & Beebe-Frankenberger, M. (2004) · Journal of Educational Psychology · doi:10.1037/0022-0663.96.3.471 · Cited by 638 · see citing works
Cognitive mechanisms in number processing and calculation: Evidence from dyscalculia
McCloskey, M. E., Caramazza, A., & Basili, A. (1985) · Brain and Cognition · doi:10.1016/0278-2626(85)90069-7 · Cited by 635 · see citing works
Individual differences in working memory and comprehension: A test of four hypotheses.
Engle, R. W., Cantor, J., & Carullo, J. J. (1992) · Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition · doi:10.1037/0278-7393.18.5.972 · Cited by 626 · see citing works
Individual differences in working memory and comprehension: A test of four hypotheses.
Engle, R. W., Cantor, J., & Carullo, J. J. (1992) · Journal of Experimental Psychology Learning Memory and Cognition · doi:10.1037//0278-7393.18.5.972 · Cited by 624 · see citing works
Working Memory Impairments in Children with Specific Arithmetic Learning Difficulties
McLean, J. F., & Hitch, G. J. (1999) · Journal of Experimental Child Psychology · doi:10.1006/jecp.1999.2516 · Cited by 615 · see citing works
The Prevention, Identification, and Cognitive Determinants of Math Difficulty.
Fuchs, L. S., Compton, D. L., Fuchs, D., Paulsen, K., Bryant, J. D., & Hamlett, C. L. (2005) · Journal of Educational Psychology · doi:10.1037/0022-0663.97.3.493 · Cited by 593 · see citing works
Working memory and retrieval: A resource-dependent inhibition model.
Conway, A. R. A., & Engle, R. W. (1994) · Journal of Experimental Psychology General · doi:10.1037//0096-3445.123.4.354 · Cited by 538 · see citing works
Short-Term Memory, Working Memory, and Inhibitory Control in Children with Difficulties in Arithmetic Problem Solving
Passolunghi, M. C., & Siegel, L. S. (2001) · Journal of Experimental Child Psychology · doi:10.1006/jecp.2000.2626 · Cited by 483 · see citing works
Counting on working memory in arithmetic problem solving
Logie, R. H., Gilhooly, K. J., & Wynn, V. (1994) · Memory & Cognition · doi:10.3758/bf03200866 · Cited by 470 · see citing works
Mathematical problem solving and working memory in children with learning disabilities: Both executive and phonological processes are important
Swanson, H. L., & Sachse-Lee, C. (2001) · Journal of Experimental Child Psychology · doi:10.1006/jecp.2000.2587 · Cited by 443 · see citing works
The complexities of complex span: Explaining individual differences in working memory in children and adults.
Bayliss, D. M., Jarrold, C., Gunn, D. M., & Baddeley, A. D. (2003) · Journal of Experimental Psychology: General · doi:10.1037/0096-3445.132.1.71 · Cited by 427 · see citing works
Standard Progressive Matrices
Leavitt, V. M., & Weber, E. (2017) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-56782-2_1068-2 · Cited by 416 · see citing works
Representation and working memory in early arithmetic
Rasmussen, C., & Bisanz, J. (2005) · Journal of Experimental Child Psychology · doi:10.1016/j.jecp.2005.01.004 · Cited by 408 · see citing works
Cognitive addition: A short longitudinal study of strategy choice and speed-of-processing differences in normal and mathematically disabled children.
Geary, D. C., Brown, S. C., & Samaranayake, V. A. (1991) · Developmental Psychology · doi:10.1037/0012-1649.27.5.787 · Cited by 386 · see citing works
Exploring the roles of the visual‐spatial sketch pad and central executive in children's arithmetical skills: Views from cognition and developmental neuropsychology
Bull, R., Johnston, R., & Roy, J. (1999) · Developmental Neuropsychology · doi:10.1080/87565649909540759 · Cited by 386 · see citing works
Working-memory capacity as long-term memory activation: An individual-differences approach.
Cantor, J., & Engle, R. W. (1993) · Journal of Experimental Psychology Learning Memory and Cognition · doi:10.1037//0278-7393.19.5.1101 · Cited by 365 · see citing works
Separate roles for executive and phonological components of working memory in mental arithmetic
Furst, A. J., & Hitch, G. J. (2000) · Memory & Cognition · doi:10.3758/bf03198412 · Cited by 348 · see citing works
Individual Differences in Arithmetic: Implications for Psychology, Neuroscience and Education
Dowker, A. (2012) · Cited by 324 · see citing works
Working Memory and Children’s Mathematical Skills: Implications for mathematical development and mathematics curricula
Holmes, J., & Adams, J. W. (2006) · Educational Psychology · doi:10.1080/01443410500341056 · Cited by 297 · see citing works
Working memory in children with specific arithmetical learning difficulties
Hitch, G. J., & McAuley, E. (1991) · British Journal of Psychology · doi:10.1111/j.2044-8295.1991.tb02406.x · Cited by 289 · see citing works
Mathematical Thinking in Second-Grade Children with Different Forms of LD
Jordan, N., & Hanich, L. B. (2000) · Journal of Learning Disabilities · doi:10.1177/002221940003300605 · Cited by 288 · see citing works
Individual Differences in Arithmetic
Dowker, A. (2005) · Psychology Press eBooks · doi:10.4324/9780203324899 · Cited by 286 · see citing works
Are Executive Function Tests Dependent on Working Memory Capacity?
Lehto, J. E. (1996) · The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology Section A · doi:10.1080/713755616 · Cited by 275 · see citing works
Frontal Lobe Deficits after Head Injury: Unity and Diversity of Function
Duncan Roger Johnson Michaela Swale, J. (1997) · Cognitive Neuropsychology · doi:10.1080/026432997381420 · Cited by 275 · see citing works
Short-Term Memory and Working Memory: Do Both Contribute to Our Understanding of Academic Achievement in Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities?
Swanson, H. L. (1994) · Journal of Learning Disabilities · doi:10.1177/002221949402700107 · Cited by 272 · see citing works
Cognitive Psychology and Simple Arithmetic: A Review and Summary of New Directions.
Ashcraft, M. H. (1995) · Mathematical Cognition · Cited by 269 · see citing works
Developmental Aspects of Verbal Fluency and Confrontation Naming in Children
Riva, D., Nichelli, F., & Devoti, M. (2000) · Brain and Language · doi:10.1006/brln.1999.2166 · Cited by 257 · see citing works
Cognitive Analysis of Children's Mathematics Difficulties
Russell, R. L., & Ginsburg, H. P. (1984) · Cognition and Instruction · doi:10.1207/s1532690xci0102_3 · Cited by 229 · see citing works
Are Mathematics Disabilities Due to a Domain-General or a Domain-Specific Working Memory Deficit?
Wilson, K. M., & Swanson, H. L. (2001) · Journal of Learning Disabilities · doi:10.1177/002221940103400304 · Cited by 224 · see citing works
Is there a Relationship between Task Demand and Storage Space in Tests of Working Memory Capacity?
Towse, J. N., & Hitch, G. J. (1995) · The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology Section A · doi:10.1080/14640749508401379 · Cited by 221 · see citing works
The effects of phonological and visual-spatial interference on children’s arithmetical performance
McKenzie, B., Bull, R., & Gray, C. (2003) · Educational and Child Psychology · doi:10.53841/bpsecp.2003.20.3.93 · Cited by 213 · see citing works
Generality and modifiability of working memory among skilled and less skilled readers.
Swanson, H. L. (1992) · Journal of Educational Psychology · doi:10.1037/0022-0663.84.4.473 · Cited by 209 · see citing works
Inhibition and cognitive development: object, number, categorization, and reasoning
Houdé, O. (2000) · Cognitive Development · doi:10.1016/s0885-2014(00)00015-0 · Cited by 203 · see citing works
Mapping the Developmental Constraints on Working Memory Span Performance.
Bayliss, D. M., Jarrold, C., Baddeley, A., Riby, D. M., & Leigh, E. (2005) · Developmental Psychology · doi:10.1037/0012-1649.41.4.579 · Cited by 196 · see citing works
Working Memory and Children's Mental Addition
Adams, J. W., & Hitch, G. J. (1997) · Journal of Experimental Child Psychology · doi:10.1006/jecp.1997.2397 · Cited by 188 · see citing works
The role of long‐term memory mechanisms in memory span
Hulme, C., Roodenrys, S. J., Brown, G. D. A., & Mercer, R. (1995) · British Journal of Psychology · doi:10.1111/j.2044-8295.1995.tb02570.x · Cited by 183 · see citing works
Cross-sectional and incremental changes in working memory and mathematical problem solving.
Swanson, H. L. (2006) · Journal of Educational Psychology · doi:10.1037/0022-0663.98.2.265 · Cited by 174 · see citing works
The development of future-oriented processes
Haith, B. M. M. (1995) · Computers & Mathematics with Applications · doi:10.1016/0898-1221(95)90252-x · Cited by 173 · see citing works
Phonological and visual working memory in mental addition
Trbovich, P., & LeFevre, J. (2003) · Memory & Cognition · doi:10.3758/bf03196112 · Cited by 172 · see citing works
Working memory and literacy as predictors of performance on algebraic word problems
Lee, K. L., Ng, S. F., Ng, E. L., & Lim, Z. Y. (2004) · Journal of Experimental Child Psychology · doi:10.1016/j.jecp.2004.07.001 · Cited by 157 · see citing works
Effects of Literacy and Education on Measures of Word Fluency
Ratcliff, G. G., Ganguli, M., Chandra, V., Sharma, S. D., Belle, S. E., Seaberg, E. C., & Pandav, R. S. (1998) · Brain and Language · doi:10.1006/brln.1997.1858 · Cited by 149 · see citing works
Visuospatial working memory and early numeracy
Kyttälä, M., Aunio, P., Lehto, J., van Luit, J. V., & Hautamäki, J. (2003) · Educational & Child Psychology · doi:10.53841/bpsecp.2003.20.3.65 · Cited by 122 · see citing works
The role of visuo-spatial working memory in the mental addition of multi-digit addends.
Heathcote, D. (1994) · Cahiers De Psychologie Cognitive-current Psychology of Cognition · Cited by 121 · see citing works
Research Section: Working memory deficits in children with special educational needs
Gathercole, S. E., & Pickering, S. (2001) · British Journal of Special Education · doi:10.1111/1467-8527.00225 · Cited by 98 · see citing works
Does Strategy Knowledge Influence Working Memory in Children with Mathematical Disabilities?
Keeler, M. L., & Swanson, H. L. (2001) · Journal of Learning Disabilities · doi:10.1177/002221940103400504 · Cited by 96 · see citing works
The working memory function of the prefrontal cortices: Implications for developmental and individual differences in cognition.
Pennington, B. F. (1994) · Cited by 93 · see citing works
Growth in literacy and cognition in bilingual children at risk or not at risk for reading disabilities.
Swanson, H. L., Sáez, L., & Gerber, M. M. (2006) · Journal of Educational Psychology · doi:10.1037/0022-0663.98.2.247 · Cited by 90 · see citing works
Involvement of short-term memory in complex mental calculation
Noël, M., Désert, M., Aubrun, A., & Seron, X. (2001) · Memory & Cognition · doi:10.3758/bf03195738 · Cited by 88 · see citing works
Phonological Loop and Central Executive Processes in Mental Addition and Multiplication
Seitz, K., & Schumann-Hengsteler, R. (2002) · Cited by 84 · see citing works
The central executive does not exist
PARKIN, A. J. (1998) · Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society · doi:10.1017/s1355617798005128 · Cited by 81 · see citing works
Working Memory and School Achievement in the Ninth Form
Lehto, J. E. (1995) · Educational Psychology · doi:10.1080/0144341950150304 · Cited by 78 · see citing works
Working memory as a predictor of addition skills and addition strategies in children
Noël, M., Seron, X., & Trovarelli, F. (2004) · Digital Access to Libraries (Université catholique de Louvain (UCL), l'Université de Namur (UNamur) and the Université Saint-Louis (USL-B)) · Cited by 75 · see citing works
Relationships between working memory, expressive vocabulary and arithmetical reasoning in children with and without intellectual disabilities
Henry, L. A., & MacLean, M. (2003) · Educational and Child Psychology · doi:10.53841/bpsecp.2003.20.3.51 · Cited by 72 · see citing works
Reflections on Working Memory: Are the Two Models Complementary?
Pascual‐Leone, J. (2000) · Journal of Experimental Child Psychology · doi:10.1006/jecp.2000.2593 · Cited by 71 · see citing works
Working Memory and Classroom Learning
Holmes, J., Byrne, E. M., & Graham, A. J. (2022) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108955638.044 · Cited by 71 · see citing works
Relationships between facets of working memory and performance on a curriculum-based mathematics test in children
Maybery, M., & Do, N. (2003) · Educational & Child Psychology · doi:10.53841/bpsecp.2003.20.3.77 · Cited by 61 · see citing works
Trail Making Across Languages
Lee, T. M. C., Cheung, C. C. Y., Chan, J. K. P., & Chan, C. C. H. (2000) · Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology · doi:10.1076/jcen.22.6.772.954 · Cited by 50 · see citing works
Development of efficient arithmetic computation.
Kaye, D. B., deWinstanley, P. A., Chen, Q., & Bonnefil, V. (1989) · Journal of Educational Psychology · doi:10.1037/0022-0663.81.4.467 · Cited by 41 · see citing works
From Rag(Bag)s to Riches: Measuring the Developing Central Executive
Schneider, W., Schumann-Hengsteler, R., & Sodian, B. (2005) · doi:10.4324/9781410612007-8 · Cited by 38 · see citing works

Flagged first, then by citations

Sorted by citations

Skills underlying mathematics: The role of executive function in the development of mathematics proficiency
Cragg, L., & Gilmore, C. K. (2014) · Trends in Neuroscience and Education · doi:10.1016/j.tine.2013.12.001 · Cited by 597 · see citing works
“…control abilities do predict performance in mathematics (Brock, Rimm- Kaufman, Nathanson, & Grimm, 2009; Bull & Scerif, 2001; Espy et al., 2004; Gilmore et al., 2013; Kroesbergen et al., 2009; Lee et al., 2010; St Clair-Thompson & Gathercole, 2006; Thorell, 2007; but see Andersson, 2008).”
Working memory and mathematics in primary school children: A meta-analysis
den Bos, I. F., van der Ven, S. H. G., Kroesbergen, E. H., & Luit, J. E. H. V. (2013) · Educational Research Review · doi:10.1016/j.edurev.2013.05.003 · Cited by 587 · see citing works
A meta-analysis of mathematics and working memory: Moderating effects of working memory domain, type of mathematics skill, and sample characteristics
Peng, P., Namkung, J., Barnes, M., & Sun, C. (2016) · Journal of Educational Psychology · doi:10.1037/edu0000079 · Cited by 557 · see citing works
Untitled work
Bagetta (2016) · doi:10.1111/mbe.12100 · Cited by 433 · see citing works
Shifting ability predicts math and reading performance in children: a meta-analytical study
Yeniad, N., Malda, M., Mesman, J., van IJzendoorn, M. H., & Pieper, S. (2013) · Learning and Individual Differences · doi:10.1016/j.lindif.2012.10.004 · Cited by 420 · see citing works
“On the other hand, in another study with third and fourth graders, Trail Making Task, which is a commonly used shifting measure, showed significant correlations with math and reading scores, controlling for age (Andersson, 2008).”
Result
The Potential for School-Based Interventions That Target Executive Function to Improve Academic Achievement: A Review
Jacob, R., & Parkinson, J. (2015) · Review of Educational Research · doi:10.3102/0034654314561338 · Cited by 538 · see citing works
Working memory and executive functions: effects of training on academic achievement
Titz, C., & Karbach, J. (2014) · Psychological Research · doi:10.1007/s00426-013-0537-1 · Cited by 388 · see citing works
“…repeatedly been shown to predict more variance in academic abilities than measures of intelligence (Alloway, Bibile, & Lau, 2013; Alloway, 2009; Andersson, 2008; Lee, Ng, Ng, & Lim, 2004; Swanson, 2004), or at least comparable portions of variance (Lu, Weber, Spinath, & Shi, 2011),…”
Relations between executive functions and academic outcomes in elementary school children: A meta-analysis.
Spiegel, J. A., Goodrich, J. M., Morris, B. M., Osborne, C. M., & Lonigan, C. J. (2021) · Psychological Bulletin · doi:10.1037/bul0000322 · Cited by 362 · see citing works
“Poor EF is concurrently associated with difficulties in reading (e.g., Christopher et al., 2012; de Jong et al., 2009), mathematics (e.g., Andersson, 2008; Bull & Scerif, 2001), and language (e.g., Lonigan et al., 2016; McClelland et al., 2007), and it is longitudinally predictive of academic…”
Background
Direct and indirect influences of executive functions on mathematics achievement
Cragg, L., Keeble, S., Richardson, S., Roome, H. E., & Gilmore, C. K. (2017) · Cognition · doi:10.1016/j.cognition.2017.01.014 · Cited by 290 · see citing works
“Correlational studies have also demonstrated a relationship between working memory and procedural skill (Andersson, 2008; Cowan & Powell, 2014; Fuchs et al., 2010; Wilson & Swanson, 2001) (but see Fuchs et al., 2006; Träff, 2013), although there are mixed findings concerning whether simple storage…”
Influential
Executive functions as predictors of math learning disabilities
Toll, S. W. M., Van der Ven, S. H. G., Kroesbergen, E. H., & Van Luit, J. E. H. (2011) · Journal of Learning Disabilities · doi:10.1177/0022219410387302 · Cited by 281 · see citing works
“According to several studies (Andersson, 2008; Van der Sluis et al., 2007), shifting ability is believed to be involved in mathematical performance by supporting alternation between strategies and subsolutions in multistep mathematics problems, and inhibition ability is believed to be necessary for…”
Influential
Executive control training from middle childhood to adolescence
Karbach, J., & Unger, K. (2014) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00390 · Cited by 269 · see citing works
“…fact, EF have been shown to explain at least as much variance in academic achievement as intelligence (e.g., Swanson, 2004; Altemeier et al., 2008; Andersson, 2008; Alloway and Alloway, 2010; Lu et al., 2011), which is usually considered the most powerful predictor of academic success (e.g.,…”
Background
Manganese exposure from drinking water and children's academic achievement
Khan, K., Wasserman, G. A., Liu, X., Ahmed, E., Parvez, F., Slavkovich, V. N., Levy, D., Mey, J. L., van Geen, A., Graziano, J. H., et al. (2011) · NeuroToxicology · doi:10.1016/j.neuro.2011.12.002 · Cited by 252 · see citing works
“More specifically working memory is a strong predictor of arithmetic skills (Andersson, 2008), which are the predominant forms of mathematics learning in Bangladeshi elementary school system.”
Background
Can we predict mathematical learning disabilities from symbolic and non-symbolic comparison tasks in kindergarten? Findings from a longitudinal study.
Desoete, A., Ceulemans, A., Weerdt, F. D., & Pieters, S. (2012) · British Journal of Educational Psychology · doi:10.1348/2044-8279.002002 · Cited by 70 · see citing works
Preterm infant hippocampal volumes correlate with later working memory deficits
Beauchamp, M. H., Thompson, D. K., Howard, K., Doyle, L. W., Egan, G. F., Inder, T. E., & Anderson, P. J. (2008) · Brain · doi:10.1093/brain/awn227 · Cited by 207 · see citing works
Adaptive working-memory training benefits reading, but not mathematics in middle childhood
Karbach, J., Strobach, T., & Schubert, T. (2015) · Child Neuropsychology · doi:10.1080/09297049.2014.899336 · Cited by 183 · see citing works
“In fact, WM has been shown to explain at least as much variance in academic achievement as intelligence (e.g., Alloway, Bibile, & Lau, 2013; Andersson, 2008; Lu et al., 2011; Swanson, 2004), which is usually considered the most powerful predictor of academic success (e.g., Gottfredson, 2002; cf.…”
Background
Choline Intake During Pregnancy and Child Cognition at Age 7 Years
Boeke, C. E., Gillman, M. W., Hughes, M. D., Rifas‐Shiman, S. L., Villamor, E., & Oken, E. (2013) · American Journal of Epidemiology · doi:10.1093/aje/kws395 · Cited by 173 · see citing works
“Previous studies have found that better working memory is associated with superior scholastic skills, including arithmetic, reading, and writing, and general academic achievement in school-aged children (34 – 36).”
Background
First-grade predictors of mathematical learning disability: A latent class trajectory analysis
Geary, D. C., Bailey, D. H., Littlefield, A. K., Wood, P. K., Hoard, M. K., & Nugent, L. D. (2009) · Cognitive Development · doi:10.1016/j.cogdev.2009.10.001 · Cited by 168 · see citing works
Learning mathematics through algorithmic and creative reasoning
Jonsson, B., Norqvist, M., Liljekvist, Y., & Lithner, J. (2014) · The Journal of Mathematical Behavior · doi:10.1016/j.jmathb.2014.08.003 · Cited by 175 · see citing works
“The hypothesis was confirmed and is in line with those from many studies that have investigated the relationship between cognition and school achievements (e.g., Alloway & Alloway, 2010; Andersson, 2008; Ashcraft & Krause, 2007).”
Result
Different components of working memory have different relationships with different mathematical skills
Simmons, F. R., Willis, C., & Adams, A.-M. (2011) · Journal of Experimental Child Psychology · doi:10.1016/j.jecp.2011.08.011 · Cited by 128 · see citing works
“…current study was to extend existing research that has focused on the relationships between individual mathematical skills and working memory (e.g., Andersson, 2008; Camos, 2008; Holmes & Adams, 2006; Rasmussen & Bisanz, 2005) by examining the relationships between working memory and single-digit…”
Background
Number Magnitude Processing and Basic Cognitive Functions in Children with Mathematical Learning Disabilities.
Andersson, U., & Östergren, R. (2012) · Learning and Individual Differences · doi:10.1016/j.lindif.2012.05.004 · Cited by 121 · see citing works
“…emanates from converging evidence showing that cognitive functions such as working memory, executive functions, semantic memory and processing speed are involved in mathematical performance in both adults and children (Andersson, 2007; 2008a; Fuchs et al., 2005; Swanson, Jerman, & Zheng, 2008).”
BackgroundInfluentialSelf-citation
Working memory, learning, and academic achievement.
Swanson, H. L., & Alloway, T. P. (2012) · APA educational psychology handbook, Vol 1: Theories, constructs, and critical issues. · doi:10.1037/13273-012 · Cited by 118 · see citing works
Executive Functions in Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Comorbidity Overlaps Between Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder and Specific Learning Disorders
Crisci, G., Caviola, S., Cardillo, R., & Mammarella, I. C. (2021) · Frontiers in Human Neuroscience · doi:10.3389/fnhum.2021.594234 · Cited by 103 · see citing works
“, 2018a) and shifting (Van der Sluis et al., 2007; Andersson, 2008) have also been observed in children with SLD.”
Background
Mathematical learning difficulties subtypes classification
Karagiannakis, G., Baccaglini‐Frank, A., & Papadatos, Y. (2014) · Frontiers in Human Neuroscience · doi:10.3389/fnhum.2014.00057 · Cited by 103 · see citing works
“…domain general cognitive deficit underlying MLD (Geary, 2004; Geary and Hoard, 2005), which emanates from converging evidence showing that such cognitive functions are involved in mathematical performance in both adults and children (Fuchs et al., 2005; Andersson, 2007, 2008; Swanson et al., 2008).”
Background
The role of executive functions in numerical magnitude skills
Kolkman, M. E., Hoijtink, H. J. A., Kroesbergen, E. H., & Leseman, P. P. M. (2013) · Learning and Individual Differences · doi:10.1016/j.lindif.2013.01.004 · Cited by 101 · see citing works
Early number knowledge and cognitive ability affect early arithmetic ability
Östergren, R., & Träff, U. (2013) · Journal of Experimental Child Psychology · doi:10.1016/j.jecp.2013.03.007 · Cited by 101 · see citing works
“The overall results from Models A and B are consistent with the notion that working memory provides a flexible and efficient workspace during mathematical performances (Andersson, 2008; Fürst & Hitch, 2000; Geary & Hoard, 2005; Logie, Gilhooly, & Wynn, 1994; Seitz & SchumannHengsteler, 2000; Swanson, 2004).”
Result
The contribution of general cognitive abilities and number abilities to different aspects of mathematics in children
Träff, U. (2013) · Journal of Experimental Child Psychology · doi:10.1016/j.jecp.2013.04.007 · Cited by 97 · see citing works
Are patterns important? An investigation of the relationships between proficiencies in patterns, computation, executive functioning, and algebraic word problems.
Lee, K. L., Ng, S. F., Bull, R., Pe, M. L., & Ho, R. M.-H. (2011) · Journal of Educational Psychology · doi:10.1037/a0023068 · Cited by 95 · see citing works
The Relationship between Visuospatial Working Memory and Mathematical Performance in School-Aged Children: a Systematic Review
Allen, K., Higgins, S., & Adams, J. W. (2019) · Educational Psychology Review · doi:10.1007/s10648-019-09470-8 · Cited by 89 · see citing works
“Therefore, it is possible that VSWM is employed to a greater extent during the procurement of new skills, and to a lesser extent once children achieve mastery of such skills (Andersson 2008).”
Background
VI. INSTITUTIONAL DEPRIVATION, SPECIFIC COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS, AND SCHOLASTIC ACHIEVEMENT: ENGLISH AND ROMANIAN ADOPTEE (ERA) STUDY FINDINGS
Beckett, C., Castle, J., Rutter, M., & Sonuga-Barke, E. J. (2010) · Monographs of the Society for Research in Child Development · doi:10.1111/j.1540-5834.2010.00553.x · Cited by 84 · see citing works
Executive functioning deficits increase kindergarten children's risk for reading and mathematics difficulties in first grade
Morgan, P. L., Li, H., Farkas, G., Cook, M., Pun, W. H., & Hillemeier, M. M. (2016) · Contemporary Educational Psychology · doi:10.1016/j.cedpsych.2016.01.004 · Cited by 86 · see citing works
“For example, working memory and cognitive flexibility deficits have been reported to constrain children’s counting abilities, fact retrieval (Geary, Hoard, Nugent, & Bailey, 2012; Noel, 2009), and mathematics problem solving (Andersson, 2008; Swanson, Jerman, & Zheng, 2008).”
Background
Early numerical abilities and cognitive skills in kindergarten children
Passolunghi, M. C., Lanfranchi, S., Altoè, G., & Sollazzo, N. (2015) · Journal of Experimental Child Psychology · doi:10.1016/j.jecp.2015.02.001 · Cited by 78 · see citing works
Does numerical processing uniquely predict first graders’ future development of single-digit arithmetic?
Vanbinst, K., Ghesquière, P., & Smedt, B. D. (2014) · Learning and Individual Differences · doi:10.1016/j.lindif.2014.12.004 · Cited by 78 · see citing works
Refining the quantitative pathway of the Pathways to Mathematics model
Sowinski, C., LeFevre, J., Skwarchuk, S., Kamawar, D., Bisanz, J., & Smith‐Chant, B. L. (2014) · Journal of Experimental Child Psychology · doi:10.1016/j.jecp.2014.11.004 · Cited by 68 · see citing works
“Central executive/executive functions have been found to positively relate to math outcomes such as arithmetic (Andersson, 2008), fact retrieval and accuracy (Marzocchi, Lucangeli, De Meo, Fini, & Cornoldi, 2002), number line task performance (Geary, Hoard, Nugent, & Byrd-Craven, 2008), and…”
BackgroundResultInfluential
A structural equation modeling of executive functions, IQ and mathematical skills in primary students: Differential effects on number production, mental calculus and arithmetical problems
Filippetti, V. A., & Richaud, M. C. (2016) · Child Neuropsychology · doi:10.1080/09297049.2016.1199665 · Cited by 68 · see citing works
“In the field of mathematics, several studies have found evidence demonstrating the contribution of all the three EF components to performance on different mathematical domains: WM (Agostino, Johnson, & Pascual-Leone, 2010; Alloway & Passolunghi, 2011; Andersson, 2008; Bull, Espy, & Wiebe, 2008; Holmes & Adams, 2006),…”
BackgroundMethodResultInfluential
Profiles of children’s arithmetic fact development: A model-based clustering approach
Vanbinst, K., Ceulemans, E., Ghesquière, P., & Smedt, B. D. (2015) · Journal of Experimental Child Psychology · doi:10.1016/j.jecp.2015.01.003 · Cited by 63 · see citing works
“…growth in single-digit arithmetic (e.g., Andersson & Lyxell, 2007; Bull, Espy, & Wiebe, 2008; Krajewski & Schneider, 2009; Mazzocco & Kover, 2007), but they are consistent with other published studies (e.g., Andersson, 2008; Rasmussen & Bisanz, 2005; St Clair-Thompson & Gathercole, 2006).”
Addressing working memory in children with autism through behavioral intervention
Baltruschat, L., Hasselhorn, M., Tarbox, J., Dixon, D. R., Najdowski, A. C., Mullins, R. D., & Gould, E. R. (2010) · Research in Autism · doi:10.1016/j.rasd.2010.04.008 · Cited by 63 · see citing works
The Cognitive Effects of Experiencing and Observing Subtle Racial Discrimination
Ozier, E. M., Taylor, V. J., & Murphy, M. C. (2019) · Journal of Social Issues · doi:10.1111/josi.12349 · Cited by 67 · see citing works
Processing of space, time, and number contributes to mathematical abilities above and beyond domain-general cognitive abilities
Skagerlund, K., & Träff, U. (2015) · Journal of Experimental Child Psychology · doi:10.1016/j.jecp.2015.10.016 · Cited by 52 · see citing works
Math practice and its influence on math skills and executive functions in adolescents with mild to borderline intellectual disability
Jansen, B. R. J., Lange, E. D., & van der Molen, M. J. (2013) · Research in Developmental Disabilities · doi:10.1016/j.ridd.2013.02.022 · Cited by 54 · see citing works
Systematic review on the precursors of initial mathematical performance
Nogues, C. P., & Dorneles, B. V. (2021) · International Journal of Educational Research Open · doi:10.1016/j.ijedro.2021.100035 · Cited by 49 · see citing works
Eating breakfast enhances the efficiency of neural networks engaged during mental arithmetic in school-aged children
Pivik, R. T., Tennal, K. B., Chapman, S. D., & Gu, Y. (2012) · Physiology & Behavior · doi:10.1016/j.physbeh.2012.03.034 · Cited by 48 · see citing works
“Furthermore, since the ability to inhibit task-irrelevant information from gaining access to working memory is critical to working memory function and efficient mathematical performance [50] and such inhibitory influences have been associated with increases in delta [29] and alpha activity, we hypothesize that power i…”
Visuospatial and verbal memory in mental arithmetic
Clearman, J., Klinger, V., & Szűcs, D. (2016) · Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology · doi:10.1080/17470218.2016.1209534 · Cited by 47 · see citing works
“Several studies conclude that arithmetic computation heavily relies on verbal WM (Andersson, 2008; Bull & Johnston, 1997; Fuchs et al., 2005; Hecht, 2002; Lemaire, 1996; Seitz & Schumann-Hengsteler, 2002).”
Background
The association between arithmetic and reading performance in school: A meta-analytic study.
Singer, V., & Strasser, K. (2017) · School Psychology Quarterly · doi:10.1037/spq0000197 · Cited by 51 · see citing works
The Role of Executive Function in Arithmetic Problem-Solving Processes: A Study of Third Graders
Viterbori, P., Traverso, L., & Usai, M. C. (2017) · Journal of Cognition and Development · doi:10.1080/15248372.2017.1392307 · Cited by 47 · see citing works
The Relation Between Executive Functions, Fine Motor Skills, and Basic Numerical Skills and Their Relevance for Later Mathematics Achievement
Gashaj, V., Oberer, N., Mast, F. W., & Roebers, C. M. (2018) · Early Education and Development · doi:10.1080/10409289.2018.1539556 · Cited by 46 · see citing works
“, 2013), and updating (Andersson, 2008; Berg, 2008; Bull et al., 2008; Geary, 2011) on mathematics achievement.”
Interaction between cognitive and non-cognitive factors: the influences of academic goal orientation and working memory on mathematical performance
Lee, K. L., Ning, F., & Goh, H. C. (2013) · Educational Psychology · doi:10.1080/01443410.2013.836158 · Cited by 45 · see citing works
“Indeed, most studies have found working memory to be more predictive of academic achievement than measures of intelligence (Andersson, 2008; Lee & Ng, 2009; Swanson, 2004) (cf.”
BackgroundInfluential
Contribution of Auditory Working Memory to Speech Understanding in Mandarin-Speaking Cochlear Implant Users
Tao, D.-D., Deng, R., Jiang, Y., Galvin, J. J., Fu, Q., & Chen, B. (2014) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0099096 · Cited by 45 · see citing works
“Limitations to working memory can vary widely among NH children and is closely associated with children’s learning ability [41,42], and deficits in working memory have been associated with learning difficulties [28,40,43–44].”
Background
Sources of individual differences in emerging competence with numeration understanding versus multidigit calculation skill.
Fuchs, L. S., Geary, D. C., Fuchs, D., Compton, D. L., & Hamlett, C. L. (2013) · Journal of Educational Psychology · doi:10.1037/a0034444 · Cited by 44 · see citing works
The impact of music instruction on attention in kindergarten children.
Hallberg, K. A., Martin, W. E., & McClure, J. R. (2017) · Psychomusicology Music Mind and Brain · doi:10.1037/pmu0000177 · Cited by 42 · see citing works
“, 2005; Saffran, Johnson, Aslin, & Newport, 1999), and (e) arithmetical skill (Alloway & Passolunghi, 2011; Andersson, 2008). Research on differences in verbal memory measures between musicians and nonmusicians concluded that better working memory task performances in musicians are possibly due to the ability to maint…”
BackgroundInfluential
The role of the working memory and language skills in the prediction of word problem solving in 4- to 7-year-old children
Kyttälä, M., Pirjo Aunio, A., Lepola, J., & Hautamäki, J. (2013) · Educational Psychology · doi:10.1080/01443410.2013.814192 · Cited by 41 · see citing works
“researchers to investigate both the cognitive abilities and environmental factors that might influence word problem solving or control the development of word problem skills (Andersson, 2008; Fuchs et al., 2006). So far, most earlier work to seek the factors behind word problem solving has concentrated on elementary s…”
BackgroundInfluential
Individual differences in children's mathematics achievement
Vanbinst, K., & Smedt, B. D. (2016) · Progress in brain research · doi:10.1016/bs.pbr.2016.04.001 · Cited by 40 · see citing works
“Many studies have investigated the predictive value of working memory, specifically for learning arithmetic (eg, Andersson, 2008; Andersson and Lyxell, 2007; Bull et al., 2008; De Smedt et al., 2009; Geary et al., 2007, 2012b; Jarvis and Gathercole, 2003; Krajewski and Schneider, 2009; Mazzocco and…”
Background
Cognitive Function of Children and Adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Learning Difficulties
Huang, F., Sun, L., Qian, Y., Liu, L., Ma, Q., Yang, L., Cheng, J. R., Cao, Q., Su, Y., Gao, Q., et al. (2016) · Chinese Medical Journal · doi:10.4103/0366-6999.187861 · Cited by 40 · see citing works
“[35] However, it has been speculated that children with ADHD with poor inhibition function and attention shifting function may experience learning difficulties and, thus, lead to LD.[25] Hence, the relationship among cognitive deficits, ADHD, and LD needs to be further investigated.”
ResultInfluential
Cognitive mechanisms underlying third graders’ arithmetic skills: Expanding the pathways to mathematics model
Träff, U., Olsson, L., Skagerlund, K., & Östergren, R. (2017) · Journal of Experimental Child Psychology · doi:10.1016/j.jecp.2017.11.010 · Cited by 40 · see citing works
Direct and indirect effects of executive functions, reading engagement, and higher order strategic processes in the reading comprehension of Dual Language Learners and English Monolinguals
Barber, A. T., Cartwright, K. B., Stapleton, L. M., Klauda, S. L., Archer, C. J., & Smith, P. (2020) · Contemporary Educational Psychology · doi:10.1016/j.cedpsych.2020.101848 · Cited by 39 · see citing works
Cognitive processes and math performance: a study with children at third grade of basic education
Campos, I. S., Almeida, L. S., Ferreira, A. I., Martinez, L. F., & Ramalho, G. (2012) · European Journal of Psychology of Education · doi:10.1007/s10212-012-0121-x · Cited by 37 · see citing works
The association between working memory and mathematical problem solving: A three-level meta-analysis
Ji, Z., & Guo, K. (2023) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1091126 · Cited by 43 · see citing works
Kindergarten domain-specific and domain-general cognitive precursors of hierarchical mathematical development: A longitudinal study.
Träff, U., Olsson, L., Skagerlund, K., & Östergren, R. (2019) · Journal of Educational Psychology · doi:10.1037/edu0000369 · Cited by 35 · see citing works
Executive Function Training for Deaf Children: Impact of a Music Intervention
Mason, K., Marshall, C. R., & Morgan, G. (2021) · The Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education · doi:10.1093/deafed/enab026 · Cited by 32 · see citing works
“These abilities are an important part of children’s wider success in controlling and regulating social and emotional skills (Andersson, 2008; Blair & Razza, 2007; Thorell, Lindqvist, Bergman Nutley, Bohlin, & Klingberg, 2009).”
Intelligence, Working Memory, and Learning Disabilities
Swanson, H. L. (2014) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-410388-7.00010-5 · Cited by 31 · see citing works
Integrating Embodied Cognition and Information Processing: A Combined Model of the Role of Gesture in Children's Mathematical Environments
Gordon, R., & Ramani, G. B. (2021) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.650286 · Cited by 36 · see citing works
“, 2011), problem solving more broadly (Swanson, 2004), written and verbal calculation (Andersson, 2008), as well as mathematical word problem accuracy (Andersson, 2007; Zheng et al.”
Background
Different Subcomponents of Executive Functioning Predict Different Growth Parameters in Mathematics: Evidence From a 4-Year Longitudinal Study With Chinese Children
Wei, W., Guo, L., Georgiou, G. K., Tavouktsoglou, A., & Deng, C. (2018) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01037 · Cited by 25 · see citing works
“In contrast, in studies in which fluency scores were used, working memory did not predict mathematics (e.g., Andersson, 2008; Cantin et al., 2016; Purpura et al., 2017).”
BackgroundMethodResultInfluential
Working memory predictors of written mathematics in 7- to 8-year-old children
Allen, K., Giofrè, D., Higgins, S., & Adams, J. W. (2019) · Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology · doi:10.1177/1747021819871243 · Cited by 24 · see citing works
“The age group chosen also aligns with a period of intensive skill acquisition; a time when VSWM is most likely employed (Andersson, 2008). Spatial-sequential tasks requiring order during the recall phase, as well as those that do not require order during recall, were used to ensure the model was fully crossed. The mai…”
BackgroundResultInfluential
A Neuropsychological Profile of Developmental Dyscalculia: The Role of Comorbidity
Luoni, C., Scorza, M., Stefanelli, S., Fagiolini, B., & Termine, C. (2022) · Journal of Learning Disabilities · doi:10.1177/00222194221102925 · Cited by 25 · see citing works
“Working memory is the ability to store information while doing other cognitively draining tasks (Gathercole et al., 2006), and many studies have shown that poor working memory is a primary cognitive signature of dyscalculia (Allen et al., 2020; Andersson, 2008; Swanson & Sachse-Lee, 2001).”
Background
Rendimiento Académico según Distintos Niveles de Funcionalidad Ejecutiva y de Estrés Infantil Percibido
Suárez-Riveiro, J. M., Vicente, M. M., & Barroso, C. V. (2019) · Psicologí a Educativa · doi:10.5093/psed2019a17 · Cited by 25 · see citing works
Preschool Executive Function Profiles: Implications for Math Achievement in Grades 1 and 3
Usai, M. C., Viterbori, P., & Traverso, L. (2018) · Journal of Research in Childhood Education · doi:10.1080/02568543.2018.1496957 · Cited by 21 · see citing works
Detecting strengths and weaknesses in learning mathematics through a model classifying mathematical skills
Karagiannakis, G., Baccaglini‐Frank, A., & Ρούσσος, Π. (2016) · Australian Journal of Learning Difficulties · doi:10.1080/19404158.2017.1289963 · Cited by 20 · see citing works
“For example, recent studies have investigated the roles of general executive functions, such as working memory and inhibition, in mathematical achievement (Andersson, 2008; Cragg & Gilmore, 2014; Geary, 2004; Passolunghi & Siegel, 2004).”
BackgroundResultInfluential
A distinction between working memory components as unique predictors of mathematical components in 7–8 year old children
Allen, K., & Giofrè, D. (2021) · Educational Psychology · doi:10.1080/01443410.2020.1857702 · Cited by 21 · see citing works
“Further, the suggestion of a cyclical relationship between visuospatial working memory and verbal working memory conforms to the assumption that visuospatial working memory relates more strongly to the acquisition of new skills (Andersson, 2008).”
Background
The developmental influence of primary memory capacity on working memory and academic achievement.
Hall, D., Jarrold, C., Towse, J. N., & Zarandi, A. L. (2015) · Developmental Psychology · doi:10.1037/a0039464 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
“Similarly, mathematical problems require the concurrent storage of task instructions and running totals (Andersson, 2008; Kyttälä, Aunio, Lepola, & Hautamaki, 2014).”
Background
Impaired math achievement in patients with acute vestibular neuritis
Moser, I., Vibert, D., Caversaccio, M. D., & Mast, F. W. (2017) · Neuropsychologia · doi:10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2017.10.032 · Cited by 20 · see citing works
“…accepted that executive functions (primarily updating) do not only support counting but also exert dominant influence on arithmetic performance (Andersson, 2008; Bull and Scerif, 2001; Deschuyteneer et al., 2006; DeStefano and LeFevre, 2004; Jarvis and Gathercole, 2003; Logie et al., 1994;…”
Further analysis of the effects of positive reinforcement on working memory in children with autism
Baltruschat, L., Hasselhorn, M., Tarbox, J., Dixon, D. R., Najdowski, A. C., Mullins, R. D., & Gould, E. R. (2010) · Research in Autism · doi:10.1016/j.rasd.2010.09.015 · Cited by 19 · see citing works
Relationships Between Working Memory and Academic Skills: Are There Differences Between Children With Intellectual Disabilities and Typically Developing Children?
Poloczek, S., Büttner, G., & Hasselhorn, M. (2012) · Journal of Cognitive Education and Psychology · doi:10.1891/1945-8959.11.1.20 · Cited by 20 · see citing works
“Some studies have found that PSTM tasks were significant predictors of arithmetic performance (e.g., Andersson, 2008; Berg, 2008; Leather & Henry, 1994; Maybery & Do, 2003; Swanson, 2006).”
BackgroundResult
Working Memory in Portuguese Children With Developmental Dyslexia
Moura, O., Simões, M. R., & Pereira, M. A. M. (2014) · Applied Neuropsychology Child · doi:10.1080/21622965.2014.885389 · Cited by 19 · see citing works
“, 2006; Nevo & Breznitz, 2011; Swanson & Jerman, 2007), and mathematical ability (Andersson, 2008; Jerman et al., 2012).”
MethodResultInfluential
The Roles of Arithmetic Fluency and Executive Functioning in Mathematical Problem-Solving
Kaskens, J., Goei, S. L., Luit, J. V. V., Verhoeven, L., & Segers, E. (2022) · The Elementary school journal · doi:10.1086/721771 · Cited by 15 · see citing works
“In a study in which visuospatial and verbal updating were included in the analyses, Andersson (2008) found that verbal updating contributed to arithmetic fluency.”
Background
Memory Mates: A Classroom-Based Intervention to Improve Attention and Working Memory
Davis, N., Sheldon, L., & Colmar, S. (2013) · Australian Journal of Guidance and Counselling · doi:10.1017/jgc.2013.23 · Cited by 14 · see citing works
“Students beneﬁt from a WM system that is ef-ﬁcient and ﬂexible (Andersson, 2008).”
Background
Schoolchildren’s Compensatory Strategies and Skills in Relation to Attention and Executive Function App Training
Rossignoli-Palomeque, T., Quirós-Godoy, M., Pérez-Hernández, E., & González-Marqués, J. (2019) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02332 · Cited by 14 · see citing works
“Previous studies have found a relation between EF and intelligence (Andersson, 2008; Molfese et al., 2010; Karbach and Unger, 2014); however, EF is even more predictive of academic success than IQ (Gathercole et al.”
Background
Personalized Mastery Learning Ecosystems: Using Bloom’s Four Objects of Change to Drive Learning in Adaptive Instructional Systems
Betts, A. L., Thai, K.-P., & Gunderia, S. (2021) · Lecture notes in computer science · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-77857-6_3 · Cited by 19 · see citing works
Working memory and math skills in children with and without ADHD.
Gaye, F., Groves, N. B., Chan, E. S. M., Cole, A. M., Jaisle, E. M., Soto, E. F., & Kofler, M. J. (2023) · Neuropsychology · doi:10.1037/neu0000920 · Cited by 15 · see citing works
Can working memory training improve preschoolers’ numerical abilities?
Honoré, N., & Noël, M. (2017) · Journal of Numerical Cognition · doi:10.5964/jnc.v3i2.54 · Cited by 12 · see citing works
“Therefore, and as most studies agree that numerical performance is especially related to CE abilities (Andersson, 2008; De Smedt et al., 2009; Holmes & Adams, 2006; Kroesbergen et al., 2009), future training studies should develop programs focusing on CE.”
Background
Do measures of working memory predict academic proficiency better than measures of intelligence
Lee, K. L., Pe, M. L., Ang, S. Y., & Stankov, L. (2009) · NIE Digital Repository (National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University) · Cited by 12 · see citing works
The Fear to Move in a Crowded Environment. Poor Spatial Memory Related to Agoraphobic Disorder
Zucchelli, M. M., Piccardi, L., & Nori, R. (2021) · Brain Sciences · doi:10.3390/brainsci11060796 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
“Therefore, VSWM could be considered a cognitive process underlying different abilities that mediates the relationship among different cognitive processes [21].”
Background
The predictive relationships between working memory skills within the spatial and verbal domains and mathematical performance of Grade 2 South African learners
Bresgi, L., Alexander, D., & Seabi, J. (2017) · International Journal of Educational Research · doi:10.1016/j.ijer.2016.10.004 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
“Andersson (2008) asserts that individual differences in mathematical problem solving of learners aged 9–10 years are attributed to the phonological system as he found that these learners primarily applied verbal coding tactics during written mathematical tasks.”
Background
Assessment of executive functioning using tasks of executive control
Isquith, P. K., Roth, R. M., & Gioia, G. A. (2014) · Handbook of Executive Functioning · doi:10.1007/978-1-4614-8106-5_19 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
Math Modules Training Improves Math Achievement & Associated Cognitive Processing
Deaño, M. D., Alfonso, S., Diniz, A. M., Iglesias-Sarmiento, V., & Das, J. P. (2023) · Psychology · doi:10.4236/psych.2023.146057 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
Performance Control in Numerical Cognition
Uittenhove, K. L., & Lemaire, P. (2018) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-811529-9.00007-8 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
Executive Functions, Metacognition, Self-Regulation, and Self-Regulated Learning – What are We Talking About? A Review and Introduction of the EMERGE Model
Theobald, M., Koerner, J. K. A., Breitwieser, J., Buhr, L., Karbach, J., Könen, T., Nobbe, L., Reinelt, T., Schaaf, M., Schmiedek, F., et al. (2026) · Educational Psychology Review · doi:10.1007/s10648-026-10157-0 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
The Cognitive Ability of Chinese Students with Dyslexia and Mathematical Learning Disabilities
Li, Z., AL-Qadri, A. H., & Zhao, W. (2022) · Children · doi:10.3390/children9121949 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
“Different components of executive function, such as working memory [47], inhibition control [48] and cognitive flexibility [49], are key factors that affect students’ mathematical success.”
Background
Neurobehavioral Phenotype and Dysexecutive Syndrome of Preterm Children: Comorbidity or Trigger? An Update
Gire, C., Garbi, A., Zahed, M., Anzola, A. B., Tosello, B., & Datin‐Dorrière, V. (2022) · Children · doi:10.3390/children9020239 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
“EFs (especially WM) are more predictive of academic success than FSIQs [72,73] and reflect the child’s degree of educational investment [74].”
Background
Different cognitive mechanisms for process-open and process-constrained problem solving
Wang, L., Zeng, J., Ran, X., Cui, Z., & Zhou, X. (2022) · ZDM · doi:10.1007/s11858-022-01373-3 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
“Different tasks involving the executive function can lead to mixed results with problem solving (Andersson, 2008; Pascual et al., 2019; Yeniad et al., 2013).”
Conceptual knowledge of the associativity principle: A review of the literature and an agenda for future research
Eaves, J., Gilmore, C. K., & Attridge, N. (2021) · Trends in Neuroscience and Education · doi:10.1016/j.tine.2021.100152 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
Successful Solution Discovery and Cognitive Flexibility
Clément, É. (2022) · Wiley eBooks · doi:10.1002/9781119902737.ch5 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
Development of early acquired arithmetic skills and development of reading comprehension facilitate the development of later developing arithmetic skills
Träff, U., Skagerlund, K., & Skagenholt, M. (2025) · Educational Psychology · doi:10.1080/01443410.2025.2463930 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
“Other studies have observed that reading skills are uniquely predictive of concurrent multidigit calculation and arithmetic word problem-solving (Andersson, 2007, 2008; Swanson et al., 2008; Swanson & Beebe-Frankenberger, 2004).”
Numerosity sense correlates with fluent mathematical abilities
Zhang, Y., An, N., Chen, J., Zhou, X., & Cui, Z. (2022) · Acta Psychologica · doi:10.1016/j.actpsy.2022.103655 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
First Insights into Preschool Teachers’ Instructional Quality in Block Play and Its Associations with Children’s Knowledge, Interest, Academic Self-Concept and Cognitive Aspects
Schmitt, L., Weber, A. M., Weber, D., & Leuchter, M. (2023) · Early Education and Development · doi:10.1080/10409289.2023.2233879 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
“Working memory is considered to be an important factor as well when predicting children’s achievement even if studies control for intelligence (e.g., Andersson, 2008).”
Core knowledge and working memory as prerequisites of early school arithmetic
Arndt, D. (2013) · South African Journal of Childhood Education · doi:10.4102/sajce.v3i1.29 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
“The phonological loop is the storage unit for auditory information and is involved in word problems (Andersson, 2007) and keeping track of accurate intermediary results (Andersson, 2008).”
Background
Mathematical Abilities in School-Aged Children: A Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging Analysis With Radiomics
Pina, V., Campello, V. M., Lekadir, K., Seguí, S., García‐Santos, J. M., & Fuentes, L. J. (2022) · Frontiers in Neuroscience · doi:10.3389/fnins.2022.819069 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
“Math fluency is based on basic arithmetic operations that depend on recovery of number facts from long-term memory (Andersson, 2008), and therefore is expected to pose minimal demands on participants’ attentional/working memory capacity.”
Background
Arithmetical calculation and related neuropsychological skills in subjects with isolated oral clefts.
Goodwin, J. W., Conrad, A. L., Ansley, T. N., & Nopoulos, P. (2017) · Neuropsychology · doi:10.1037/neu0000381 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
Domain-specific and domain-general skills as predictors of arithmetic fluency development
Mononen, R., Korhonen, J., Hægeland, K., Younesi, M., Goebel, S. M., & Niemivirta, M. (2024) · Learning and Individual Differences · doi:10.1016/j.lindif.2024.102585 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
Systems-level decoding reveals the cognitive and behavioral profile of the human intraparietal sulcus
Boeken, O. J., & Markett, S. A. (2023) · Frontiers in Neuroimaging · doi:10.3389/fnimg.2022.1074674 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
“, 2022), and decreased working memory performances has been linked to difficulties solving mathematical problems (Swanson and Jerman, 2006; Andersson, 2008; Zhang et al., 2018).”
Background
Longitudinal cognitive correlates of advanced mathematical performance in primary school children
Zhang, J., Yang, X., Yu, X., Xu, J., Jiang, J., & Chen, Y. (2023) · Current Psychology · doi:10.1007/s12144-023-04648-4 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
“In addition, other components of executive function (e.g., shifting; Andersson 2008; Bull & Scerif, 2001), other phonological processing skills (e.g., rapid automatized naming; Yang et al., 2022) and visual spatial abilities (e.g., mental rotation; Mix et al., 2016) might also have repercussions on…”
Now you see it, now you don’t - Cognitive skills and their contributions to mathematics across early development
Coolen, I. E. J. I., Omont, S., & Knops, A. (2023) · Journal of Cognition · doi:10.5334/joc.309 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
“CE1 – Visuospatial skills have been suggested to be involved in the acquisition of new mathematical skills, but to a lesser extent once those skills have been mastered (Andersson, 2008).”
Background

Exploring the roles of the visual‐spatial sketch pad and central executive in children's arithmetical skills: Views from cognition and developmental neuropsychology
Bull, R., Johnston, R., & Roy, J. (1999) · Developmental Neuropsychology · doi:10.1080/87565649909540759 · Cited by 386 · see citing works
Different components of working memory have different relationships with different mathematical skills
Simmons, F. R., Willis, C., & Adams, A.-M. (2011) · Journal of Experimental Child Psychology · doi:10.1016/j.jecp.2011.08.011 · Cited by 128 · see citing works
Exploring working memory in children with low arithmetical achievement
D’Amico, A., & Guarnera, M. A. (2005) · Learning and Individual Differences · doi:10.1016/j.lindif.2005.01.002 · Cited by 126 · see citing works
Representation and working memory in early arithmetic
Rasmussen, C., & Bisanz, J. (2005) · Journal of Experimental Child Psychology · doi:10.1016/j.jecp.2005.01.004 · Cited by 408 · see citing works
Predictibilidad de los componentes de la memoria de trabajo en el cálculo mental: Un estudio longitudinal en niños escolarizados
Reifs, M. L. (2014) · Dialnet (Universidad de la Rioja)

Authors: Andersson, U.
Affiliations: Linköping University (SE)
Corresponding author: Andersson, Ulf.
ORCID: Andersson, Ulf.
Venue: British Journal of Educational Psychology
Publisher: Wiley
Published: 2008-06
Volume: 78
Issue: 2
Pages: 181-203
ISSN: 0007-0998 (ISSN-L)
2044-8279
DOI: 10.1348/000709907x209854
OpenAlex: W2062472145
Semantic Scholar: 3c9fce40cb6150fb4407419c547951ec835a60d2
Cited by: 174
References: 85
Citations by year: 2026: 5 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 19 · 2022: 12 · 2021: 14 · 2020: 4 · 2019: 10 · 2018: 8 · 2017: 12 · 2016: 17 · 2015: 7 · 2014: 15 · 2013: 15 · 2012: 10
FWCI: 3.43
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Licence: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor, 943 d)
Locations: British Journal of Educational Psychology (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics: Physical Sciences › Mathematics › Statistics and Probability › Cognitive and developmental aspects of mathematical skills
Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Cognitive Abilities and Testing
Social Sciences › Psychology › Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology › Developmental and Educational Neuropsychology
Keywords: working memory, central executive function, written arithmetic, arithmetic skills, children, phonological loop, Trail Making Test, verbal fluency, digit span, fluid intelligence, reading
MeSH terms: Achievement, Aptitude, Child, Humans, Intelligence, Mathematics, Memory, Short-Term, Neuropsychological Tests, Phonetics, Problem Solving, Reading, Sweden, Vocabulary

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review

Working memory as a predictor of written arithmetical skills in children: The importance of central executive functions

Abstract

Integrity signals

Claims the paper makes

Claims other papers make about this one

Cites

Cited by

Related

Record

About these checks