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The relation between 1st grade grey matter volume and 2nd grade math competence
Gavin R Price1, Eric D Wilkey1, Darren J Yeo1
1Department of Psychology & Human Development, Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, 230 Appleton Place, Nashville, TN 37203, USA.
Neuroimage
|September 4, 2015
Summary
Brain structure in the intraparietal sulcus (IPS) is crucial for math skills. This longitudinal study found left IPS grey matter volume in 1st grade predicts math competence in 2nd grade.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Educational Psychology
Background:
- Mathematical competence is vital for societal success, but its neurobiological underpinnings are not fully understood.
- Previous neuroimaging studies linked structural abnormalities in the intraparietal sulcus (IPS) to mathematical learning disabilities.
- Existing research is primarily cross-sectional, leaving unclear whether IPS variations cause or result from math skill development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the longitudinal relationship between whole-brain grey matter volume and math competence in elementary school children.
- To determine if grey matter volume in specific brain regions, particularly the IPS, predicts future math abilities.
- To examine whether structural differences in the IPS are a cause or consequence of developing mathematical skills.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study design was employed with a representative sample of 50 elementary school children.
- Grey matter volume across the whole brain was assessed.
- Math competence was measured at two time points, with brain structure assessed at the first time point.
Main Results:
- Grey matter volume in the left intraparietal sulcus (IPS) at the end of 1st grade was significantly related to math competence one year later, at the end of 2nd grade.
- The volume of grey matter in the left IPS remained stable over the study period.
- This stable grey matter volume in the left IPS at 1st grade also correlated with math competence at the end of 2nd grade.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the hypothesis that the intraparietal sulcus (IPS) is a critical neurobiological foundation for acquiring mathematical competence.
- Structural characteristics of the left IPS appear to be a precursor, rather than a consequence, of developing math skills.
- This research highlights the importance of the IPS in individual differences in math abilities across the developmental spectrum.
Keywords:
Educational neuroscienceGrey matter volumeIntraparietal sulcusMathematical competenceVoxel-based morphometryMore Related Videos
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