Working Memory Requirements for Problem Solving in Advanced School Mathematics

Researcher Simona Daguati

Which role do working memory functions play for problem solving in advanced school mathematics?

Several studies have examined the interplay between working memory functions and math performance and confirmed a substantial relationship between the two. However, most studies have investigated this relation in primary school children or in children with math difficulties. Moreover, most studies have used basic arithmetic tasks to measure math performance. In contrast, the aim of this project is to further analyze the role of working memory for math performance in adolescents. To this end, a sample of students coming from Swiss Gymnasium classes has been chosen. The selected students belong to one of the following groups with respect to their math performance: High-achievers, over-achievers or under-achievers. Instead of basic arithmetic tasks two different math tests serve as a measure of math performance, namely a speed test as well as a power test. While the speed test aims at the knowledge representations of the study participants, the goal of the power test is to assess their problem solving skills. On the other hand, an extensive working memory test battery has been applied to measure the working memory functions.