Individual Differences in Arithmetic: Implications for Psychology, Neuroscience and Education

by Dowker; Ann

• ISBN13: 9781841692357
• ISBN10: 1841692352
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2005-11-18
• Publisher: Psychology Pres

Summary

Standards in numeracy are a constant concern to educational policy-makers. However, why are differences in arithmetical performance so marked? In Individual Differences in Arithmetic, Ann Dowker seeks to provide a better understanding of why these differences in ability exist, encouraging a more informed approach to tackling numeracy difficulties. This book reviews existing research by the author and by others on the subject of arithmetical ability and presents strong evidence to support a componential view of arithmetic. Focusing primarily on children, but including discussion of arithmetical cognition in healthy adult and neuropsychological patients, each of the central components of arithmetic are covered. Within this volume, findings from developmental, educational, cognitive and neuropsychological studies are integrated in a unique approach. This book covers subjects such as: Counting and the importance of individual differences Arithmetic facts, procedures and differentforms of memory Causes of, and interventions with, mathematical difficulties The effects of culture, language and experience The educational implications of these findings are discussed in detail, revealing original insights that will be of great interest to those studying or researching in the areas of education, neuroscience and developmental and cognitive psychology.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements	ix
Introduction	1	(4)
Children, adults; males, females: Weaknesses and talents	5	(21)
There is no such thing as arithmetical ability -- only arithmetical abilities	26	(28)
Relationships between arithmetic and other abilities	54	(15)
Counting and after: The importance of individual differences	69	(28)
Is arithmetic a foreign language? Representing numbers and arithmetical problems in different forms and translating between them	97	(26)
Derived fact strategies	123	(25)
A good guess: Estimation and individual differences	148	(22)
Arithmetic facts, procedures and different forms of memory	170	(22)
Effects of culture, language and experience	192	(27)
The brain and individual differences in arithmetic	219	(17)
`Maths doesn't like me anymore': Role of attitudes and emotions	236	(20)
Implications for helping children with their arithmetical difficulties	256	(31)
Conclusions	287	(3)
References	290	(46)
Author index	336	(9)
Subject index	345