Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

How Do Symbolic And Non-Symbolic Numerical Magnitude Processing Skills Relate To Individual Differences In Children's Mathematical Skills? A Review Of Evidence From Brain And Behavior, Bert De Smedt, Marie-Pascale Noël, Camilla Gilmore, Daniel Ansari

Paediatrics Publications

Many studies have tested the association between number magnitude processing and mathematics achievement. However, results appear to be quite different depending on the number format used. When using symbolic numbers (digits), data consistent and robust across studies and populations have been found, with weaker performance associated with weak math achievement and dyscalculia. However, when using non-symbolic format (dots), many conflicting findings are reported. These inconsistencies might be explained by methodological issues. Alternatively, it might be that the processes measured by non-symbolic tasks are not particularly critical for school-relevant mathematics. A few neuroimaging studies have also shown the brain signature of …