The Relationship Between Working Memory and Mathematical Problem Solving in Children at Risk and Not at Risk for Serious Math Difficulties

This study identified cognitive processes that underlie individual differences in working memory (WM) and mathematical problem-solution accuracy in elementary school children at risk and not at risk for serious math difficulties (SMD). A battery of tests was administered that assessed problem solving, achievement, and cognitive processing in children in first ( N = 130), second ( N = 92) and third grades ( N = 131). The results were that (a) younger children and children at risk for SMD performed poorer on WM and problem-solving tasks, as well as measures of math calculation, reading, semantic processing, phonological processing, and inhibition, than older children and children not at risk for SMD and (b) WM predicted solution accuracy of word problems independent of measures of fluid intelligence, reading skill, math skill, knowledge of algorithms, phonological processing, semantic processing, speed, short-term memory, and inhibition. The results support the notion that the executive system is an important predictor of children's problem solving.