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Heterogeneity in children at risk of math learning difficulties
Citation
Muñez, D., Bull, R., Lee, K., & Ruiz, C. (2023). Heterogeneity in children at risk of math learning difficulties. Child Development. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.13918
Abstract
This study recruited 428 Singaporean children at risk of math learning difficulties (MLD; Mage = 83.9 months, SDage = 4.35 months; 41% female). Using a factor mixture model that considered both quantitative and qualitative differences in math ability, two qualitatively different groups were identified: one with generalized difficulties across different math skills and the other with more focal difficulties in arithmetic fluency. Reading, working memory capacity, and numeracy (number line estimation skills and numerical discrimination) uniquely explained group membership. Children within each group differed in the extent of difficulties they exhibited, with numeracy variables differentially contributing to math ability in each group. Findings speak against a dimensional view of MLD and underscore the conceptual limitations of using basic numeracy performance to profile learning difficulties.
Date Issued
2023
Publisher
Wiley
Journal
Child Development
Dataset
https://doi.org/10.25340/R4/GCLLDR