Individual differences in nonverbal number skills predict math anxiety

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• 作者：Marcus Lindskog ; ^{marcus.lindskog@psyk.uu.se} ; Anders Winman ; Leo Poom
• 关键词：Numerical cognition ; Approximate Number System ; Math anxiety
• 刊名：Cognition
• 出版年：2017
• 出版时间：February 2017
• 年：2017
• 卷：159
• 期：Complete
• 页码：156-162
• 全文大小：428 K
• 卷排序：159

文摘

Math anxiety (MA) involves negative affect and tension when solving mathematical problems, with potentially life-long consequences. MA has been hypothesized to be a consequence of negative learning experiences and cognitive predispositions. Recent research indicates genetic and neurophysiological links, suggesting that MA stems from a basic level deficiency in symbolic numerical processing. However, the contribution of evolutionary ancient purely nonverbal processes is not fully understood. Here we show that the roots of MA may go beyond symbolic numbers. We demonstrate that MA is correlated with precision of the Approximate Number System (ANS). Individuals high in MA have poorer ANS functioning than those low in MA. This correlation remains significant when controlling for other forms of anxiety and for cognitive variables. We show that MA mediates the documented correlation between ANS precision and math performance, both with ANS and with math performance as independent variable in the mediation model. In light of our results, we discuss the possibility that MA has deep roots, stemming from a non-verbal number processing deficiency. The findings provide new evidence advancing the theoretical understanding of the developmental etiology of MA.