Wei Wei|Hongyan Yuan|Chunhui Chen|Xinlin Zhou
Cognitive correlates of performance in advanced mathematics
Beijing Normal University|Beijing Normal University|University of California, Irvine|Beijing Normal University
background much research devoted understanding cognitive correlates elementary mathematics performance little research done advanced mathematics eg modern algebra statistics mathematical logic aims promote mathematical knowledge among college students necessary understand factors including cognitive factors important acquiring advanced mathematics samples recruited 80 undergraduates four universities beijing methods current study investigated associations students performance test advanced mathematics battery 17 cognitive tasks basic numerical processing complex numerical processing spatial abilities language abilities general cognitive processing results results showed spatial abilities significantly correlated performance advanced mathematics controlling factors addition certain language abilities ie comprehension words sentences also made unique contributions contrast basic numerical processing computation generally correlated performance advanced mathematics conclusions results suggest spatial abilities language comprehension basic numerical processing may play important role advanced mathematics results discussed terms theoretical significance practical implications