Some kids struggle with math more than others. Now, scientists have pinpointed some thinking processes and brain regions that might explain why.
In a new study, kids were given simple math problems. In earlier testing, some of these kids were found to have math-learning problems. Others had typical math skills. In the new study, those with a math learning disability tended to be less cautious about giving their answers. They also didn’t slow down after making errors, as the other kids did.
But with one small change to how math problems were written, those differences between how the two groups performed disappeared.
In a second test, the same kids were given problems with dots used to represent numbers instead of number symbols. Now the kids in the math-disability group didn’t rush to give their answers. They also slowed down after making errors, more like the other group.
Researchers shared these findings in the March 11 Journal of Neuroscience.
The idea that working with number symbols can be challenging for kids is not new, says Bert De ...
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