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Problem solving and computational skill: are they shared or distinct aspects of mathematical cognition?

Authors :
Fuchs, Lynn S.
Fuchs, Douglas
Stuebing, Karla
Fletcher, Jack M.
Hamlett, Carol L.
Lambert, Warren
Source :
Journal of Educational Psychology. Feb, 2008, Vol. 100 Issue 1, p30, 18 p.
Publication Year :
2008

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore patterns of difficulty in 2 domains of mathematical cognition: computation and problem solving. Third graders (n = 924; 47.3% male) were representatively sampled from 89 classrooms; assessed on computation and problem solving; classified as having difficulty with computation, problem solving, both domains, or neither domain; and measured on 9 cognitive dimensions. Difficulty occurred across domains with the same prevalence as difficulty with a single domain; specific difficulty was distributed similarly across domains. Multivariate profile analysis on cognitive dimensions and chi-square tests on demographics showed that specific computational difficulty was associated with strength in language and weaknesses in attentive behavior and processing speed; problem-solving difficulty was associated with deficient language as well as race and poverty. Implications for understanding mathematics competence and for the identification and treatment of mathematics difficulties are discussed. Keywords: calculations, word problems, cognitive predictors, mathematics

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00220663
Volume :
100
Issue :
1
Database :
Gale General OneFile
Journal :
Journal of Educational Psychology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsgcl.176479973