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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Multimedia Battery for Assessment of Cognitive and Basic Skills in Mathematics (BM-PROMA)

Multimedia Battery for Assessment of Cognitive and Basic Skills in Mathematics (BM-PROMA)

Published on: August 28, 2021

White matter microstructures underlying mathematical abilities in children.

Lucia van Eimeren¹, Sumit N Niogi, Bruce D McCandliss

¹Numerical Cognition Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, Ontario, Canada.

|July 4, 2008

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study reveals that white matter microstructure in the left hemisphere is linked to mathematical abilities in children. Specific white matter tracts are associated with numerical operations and mathematical reasoning skills.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cognitive Science
Developmental Psychology

Background:

Gray matter's role in mathematical cognition is established.
White matter microstructure's contribution to mathematical abilities is less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the relationship between white matter microstructure and mathematical competence in children.
To identify specific white matter tracts associated with mathematical skills.

Main Methods:

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was used to collect data from 13 children aged 7-9 years.
Two measures of mathematical competence were administered.
Fractional anisotropy (FA) values were correlated with mathematical performance.

Main Results:

Significant correlations were found between fractional anisotropy and mathematical competence in two left hemisphere white matter regions.
The superior corona radiata was associated with both numerical operations and mathematical reasoning.
The inferior longitudinal fasciculus was specifically correlated with numerical operations.

Conclusions:

White matter microstructure in left hemisphere tracts plays a role in developing mathematical skills.
Different white matter tracts are involved in distinct aspects of mathematical cognition, such as numerical operations versus reasoning.