A-191 The Role of Memory in Mathematical Abilities

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Abstract Objective To determine the contribution of different types of memory (Visual Memory, Auditory Memory and Visual Working Memory) to mathematical abilities. Method The participants were drawn from a deidentified adult clinical database. A multiple regression tested (n = 91, Mage = 29.9, Medu = 13.3, 49% Caucasian, 57% Female) the ability of the Wechsler Memory Scale Fourth edition (WMS-IV) Auditory Memory Index Score, Visual Memory Index Score, and Visual Working Memory Index Score to predict the Key Math-3rd edition (KM3) Total Test Standard Score. Results In a standard regression, Visual Memory, Auditory Memory, and Visual Working Memory indexes significantly predicted KM3 Total Test Standard Scores. The regression was statistically significant, F(3,87) = 17.1, p = < .001, R2 = .370. In this model, WMS-IV Visual Working Memory (beta = .338, p = .004) and Auditory Memory (beta = .271, p = .007) added significantly to the prediction. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that memory is important in mathematical calculations and different types of memory make distinct contributions. Furthermore, the Visual Working Memory Index explained a greater percentage of variance than the Auditory Memory Index. This suggests that visual working memory skills play a greater role in mathematical abilities and highlights the importance of the ability to remember and manipulate figures in our minds when solving math problems. The significance of auditory memory to mathematics may be related to remembering how to solve problems, word problems, and verbal problem-solving strategies. The Visual Memory Index may not have contributed unique variance because this composite may overlap with the Visual Working Memory Index, and academic learning may be stored verbally.