Intelligence and working memory predicted seventh-grade mathematics before prior achievement was controlled, but their direct effects were masked by sixth-grade competence¶

Claim · All claims
Evidence · 1 study · associational r2 · q2
Currency · newest study 2021 · not yet checked against its sources · not reviewed by a person

Subclaims¶

q2 i? Before inclusion of sixth-grade mathematical competence, intelligence and backward digit span were strong independent predictors alongside spatial abilities; after control, they dropped out, suggesting overlap with prior knowledge. → Geary 2021

Evidence¶

Geary 2021¶

Geary, D. C., Hoard, M. K., Nugent, L., & Scofield, J. E. (2021). In-Class Attention, Spatial Ability, and Mathematics Anxiety Predict Across-Grade Gains in Adolescents' Mathematics Achievement. Journal of Educational Psychology, 113(4), 754-769. https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0000487

q2 · i? · associational · r2

Bayesian model comparison across analysis steps in the 317-student sample; the authors interpret that intelligent students with strong working memory acquired more sixth-grade knowledge, masking direct effects.

"Prior to inclusion of sixth-grade mathematical competence, the Bayesian analyses indicated that intelligence and working memory (backward digit span) were strong independent predictors of seventh-grade mathematics achievement, in addition to spatial abilities."

Discussion¶

Learner Variables¶

• Prior Knowledge — predictor: learners who differ on it differ in outcomes

Related Claims¶

• In-class attention and complex spatial ability (MRT) predict seventh-grade mathematics achievement above and beyond prior mathematical knowledge — related
• In latent-variable SEM models, intelligence — not working memory — is the significant direct predictor of academic outcomes in both childhood and early adulthood — related
• Mathematics achievement correlates more strongly with learners' knowledge, skills and cognitive abilities than with their personality traits, goals or emotions — a broader claim this one bears on
• The core predictors of seventh-grade word reading achievement differ from those predicting seventh-grade mathematics achievement — related
• General ability, spatial abilities, and in-class attention together explain 83% of individual differences in mathematical competence from 6th to 9th grade — related