Attention, inhibitory control and early mathematical skills in preschool students

Abstract

Background: Early mathematical skills may be important indicators of school success. Executive Functions (EFs) such as attention and inhibitory control may be related to the development of early mathematical skills. Method: This study is aimed at understanding the relationship between two EFs (attention and inhibitory control) and low and high relational and numerical mathematical skills in preschool students (143 children between 4 and 6 years old). Participants completed the Early Numeracy Test Revised and a continuous performance test which assessed attention (omissions and response time [RT]) and inhibitory control (commissions and variability). Results: Logistic Binomial Regression Analysis was carried out showing that in 4 to 6-year olds there are differences in omissions, RT and variability between the groups (low and high relational and numerical mathematical skills). However, once the effect of the age was controlled for, only RT predicted numerical mathematical skills. Conclusions: The results highlight the importance of attention in the numerical skills of preschool students, with a greater weight of response time which is better in students with higher numerical mathematics skills.