A componential analysis of an early learning deficit in mathematics

J Exp Child Psychol. 1990 Jun;49(3):363-83. doi: 10.1016/0022-0965(90)90065-g.

Abstract

This study was designed to assess strategy choice and information-processing differences in normal and mathematically disabled first and second grade children. Twenty-three normal and 29 learning disabled (LD) children solved 40 computer-presented simple addition problems. Strategies, and their associated solution times, used in problem solving were recorded on a trial-by-trial basis and each was classified in accordance with the distributions of associations model of strategy choices. Based on performance in a remedial education course, as indexed by achievement test scores, the LD sample was reclassified into a LD-improved group and an LD-no-change group. No substantive differences comparing the normal and LD-improved groups occurred in the distribution of strategy choices, strategy characteristics (e.g., error rates), or rate of information processing. The performance characteristics of the LD-no-change group, as compared to the two remaining groups, included frequent counting and memory retrieval errors, frequent use of an immature computational strategy, poor strategy choices, and a variable rate of information processing. These performance characteristics were discussed in terms of the strategy choice model and in terms of potential long-term memory and working memory capacity deficits. In addition, implications for remedial education in mathematics were discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Achievement*
  • Child
  • Child Development*
  • Concept Formation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Learning Disabilities / diagnosis
  • Learning Disabilities / psychology*
  • Male
  • Mathematics*
  • Problem Solving*
  • Reading
  • Remedial Teaching