B - 102 Is Working Memory a more Accurate Predictor of Math Ability than Visuospatial Skills?

Abstract

This study used the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) to compare working memory (WM) and perceptual reasoning (PR) as predictors of math ability measured by the Wide Range Achievement Test-Fourth Edition (WRAT-4) after controlling for age and education. The healthy adult sample (N = 417) derived from a de-identified database in the Neuropsychology Assessment Center (NAC) at Nova Southeastern University has a mean age of 27.9 and was predominantly white (61.45), non-Hispanic (84.9%), and female (57.1%). The mean education of the sample was 15.7years. In a multiple linear regression model, age, education, WM, and PR were used to predict math ability. These four factors combined accounted for 32.6% of the variance in the math scores. WM alone accounted for 20.8% of the variance (p < 0.001) while PR alone accounted for 9% of the variance (p < 0.001). Age did not significantly correlate with math scores. Education was significantly correlated but only explained 2% of the total variance (p = 0.008). WM and PR were positively correlated with math abilities. WM accounted for 63.6% of the variance in math scores explained by the model while PR accounted for 28.0%. This suggests that WM is better than PR as a predictor of math achievement. The results support the important roles of WM and PR in carrying out basic mathematical computations and how WM is a better predictor of math performance than PR. Keywords: math ability, visuospatial skills, working memory, adults.