ERIC Number: EJ833050
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009-Mar
Pages: 28
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0144-3410
EISSN: N/A
A Structural Model of Algebra Achievement: Computational Fluency and Spatial Visualisation as Mediators of the Effect of Working Memory on Algebra Achievement
Tolar, Tammy Daun; Lederberg, Amy R.; Fletcher, Jack M.
Educational Psychology, v29 n2 p239-266 Mar 2009
The goal of this study was to develop and evaluate a structural model of the relations among cognitive abilities and arithmetic skills and college students' algebra achievement. The model of algebra achievement was compared to a model of performance on the Scholastic Assessment in Mathematics (SAT-M) to determine whether the pattern of relations is similar for different types of higher level maths achievement. Structural equation modelling was used to test the effects of working memory, 3D spatial ability, and computational fluency on both types of higher order maths achievement. Computational fluency had the strongest effect on algebra achievement, with 3D spatial ability and working memory showing moderate effects. In contrast, 3D spatial ability had a stronger effect on SAT-M scores than did computational fluency. Computational fluency and 3D spatial ability completely mediated the effect of working memory for both algebra and SAT-M achievement. (Contains 7 tables and 4 figures.)
Descriptors: Short Term Memory, Spatial Ability, Computation, Arithmetic, Algebra, Cognitive Ability, Mathematics Achievement, Mathematics Skills, College Students, Structural Equation Models, Comparative Analysis, College Entrance Examinations, Scores
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: SAT (College Admission Test)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A