Visuo-Spatial Working Memory and Mathematical Skills in Children: A Network Analysis Study

Luigi Macchitella; Giorgia Tosi; Daniele Luigi Romano; Marika Iaia; Francesca Vizzi; Irene C. Mammarella; Paola Angelelli

doi:10.3390/bs13040294

Behavioral Sciences (Mar 2023)

Visuo-Spatial Working Memory and Mathematical Skills in Children: A Network Analysis Study

Luigi Macchitella,
Giorgia Tosi,
Daniele Luigi Romano,
Marika Iaia,
Francesca Vizzi,
Irene C. Mammarella,
Paola Angelelli

Affiliations

Luigi Macchitella: Scientific Institute I.R.C.C.S. “E. Medea”, Unit for Severe Disabilities in Developmental Age and Young Adults (Developmental Neurology and Neurorehabilitation), 72100 Brindisi, Italy
Giorgia Tosi: Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
Daniele Luigi Romano: Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
Marika Iaia: Lab of Applied Psychology and Intervention, Department of Human and Social Studies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
Francesca Vizzi: Lab of Applied Psychology and Intervention, Department of Human and Social Studies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
Irene C. Mammarella: Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Padova, 35100 Padova, Italy
Paola Angelelli: Lab of Applied Psychology and Intervention, Department of Human and Social Studies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13040294
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 13, no. 4
p. 294

Abstract

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Visuo-spatial working memory is one of the main domain-general cognitive mechanisms underlying mathematical abilities and their development in children. However, if visuo-spatial working memory involves different processes and components, then the term ‘mathematics’ refers to a broad concept that includes multiple domains and skills. The aim of this present study was to investigate the relationship between different visuo-spatial working memory components and several mathematical abilities in a sample of third- to fifth-grade Italian children. To assess the relationships between different visuo-spatial working memory components and different mathematical abilities, we relied on Network Analysis (NA). Results indicate that some but not all visuo-spatial working memory components are associated with some mathematical abilities.

Published in Behavioral Sciences

ISSN: 2076-328X (Online)
Publisher: MDPI AG
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Philosophy. Psychology. Religion: Psychology
Website: http://www.mdpi.com/journal/behavsci

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