Numerical magnitude comparison explains significant unique variance in multiplication fact performance over and above phonological processing, intellectual ability, and general reaction time¶

Claim · All claims
Evidence · 1 study · associational r2 · q3
Currency · newest study 2016 · checked against its sources 2026-10-17 (automated, 1 of 1 entry) · not reviewed by a person

Subclaims¶

q3 i? In a hierarchical regression, entering symbolic and nonsymbolic magnitude comparison in step 4 explained an additional 24.4% of variance in multiplication fact performance, a significant change in R2. → Schleepen TMJ 2016

Evidence¶

Schleepen TMJ 2016¶

Schleepen TMJ, Van Mier HI, De Smedt B (2016) The Contribution of Numerical Magnitude Comparison and Phonological Processing to Individual Differences in Fourth Graders' Multiplication Fact Ability. PLoS ONE 11(6): e0158335. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0158335

q3 · i? · associational · r2

Hierarchical regression (N = 63) controlling Raven's intellectual ability, motor reaction time, and nonword repetition in earlier steps; the magnitude comparison step was significant, F(2,57) = 13.3, p < .001, with ΔR² = 24.4%.

"This analysis revealed that introducing numerical magnitude comparison in step 4 explained an additional 24.4% of the variance in multiplication performance, and this change in R2 was significant, F(2,57) = 13.3, p < .001."

Discussion¶

Learner Variables¶

• Arithmetic Fact Retrieval — outcome: instruction changes it
• Number Sense — predictor: learners who differ on it differ in outcomes

Related Claims¶

• Symbolic magnitude comparison contributes more unique variance to fourth graders' multiplication fact performance than nonsymbolic magnitude comparison — related
• Phonological short-term memory (nonword repetition) shows a modest unique contribution to multiplication fact performance, while phonological awareness shows no relation — related
• Fourth graders' multiplication fact solving speed correlates significantly with both symbolic and nonsymbolic magnitude comparison speed — related
• The association between nonsymbolic magnitude comparison and multiplication facts is similar across trial types (OTS/ANS range and congruency), and the symbolic comparison association is similar across numerical distances — related
• Inhibition does not uniquely predict arithmetic fact retrieval above numerical magnitude processing — related
• Both numerical magnitude processing tasks correlate positively with arithmetic fact retrieval, more strongly for symbolic — a broader claim this one bears on
• General processing speed (choice reaction time and figure matching) does not significantly predict mathematics achievement in Grade 7 or Grade 9 — related
• Symbolic numerical magnitude processing is a powerful unique predictor of arithmetic fact retrieval — related
• Numerical abilities and serial retrieval fluency predict third-grade multiplication fluency, while working memory shows no significant association in the baseline model — related