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Proactive Control Mediates the Relationship Between Working Memory and Math Ability in Early Childhood
Chunjie Wang1, Baoming Li1, Yuan Yao2
1Institute of Brain Science and Department of Psychology, School of Education, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China.
Frontiers in Psychology
|May 24, 2021
Summary
Early childhood proactive control, a key cognitive skill, positively impacts math ability by enhancing working memory. This developmental shift is crucial for academic success in young learners.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Educational Psychology
Background:
- Dual Mechanisms of Control (DMC) theory posits two cognitive control types: proactive and reactive.
- A developmental shift from reactive to proactive control occurs in childhood, emerging around 5-7 years old.
- The relationship between early proactive control and other cognitive abilities like working memory and math is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between proactive control, working memory, and math ability in 5-7-year-old children.
- To examine the role of proactive control in mediating the relationship between working memory and math performance.
- To explore the developmental emergence and cognitive correlates of proactive control in early childhood.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 98 Chinese children aged 5-7 years.
- Assessed cognitive control using the AX-Continuous Performance Task (AX-CPT).
- Evaluated working memory and math ability through standardized assessments.
Main Results:
- Children predominantly utilized proactive control on the AX-CPT.
- Proactive control was positively correlated with both working memory and math performance.
- Proactive control significantly predicted math performance, even after controlling for working memory.
Conclusions:
- Proactive control is a significant factor in early childhood cognitive development.
- Proactive control mediates the link between working memory and math ability in young children.
- Findings suggest potential educational interventions targeting proactive control to improve math skills.
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