ABSTRACT

Arithmetic is still hugely important in many aspects of modern life, but our personal attitudes to it differ greatly. Many people struggle with the basic principles of arithmetic, whilst others love it and feel confident in their arithmetical abilities. Why are there so many individual differences in people’s performance in, and feelings about, arithmetic?

Individual Differences in Arithmetic explores the idea that there is no such thing as arithmetical ability, only arithmetical abilities. The book discusses several important components of arithmetic, from counting principles and procedures to arithmetical estimation, alongside emotional and cognitive components of arithmetical performance. This edition has been extensively revised to include the latest research, including recent cross-cultural and cross-linguistic research, the development of new interventions for children with difficulties and studies of early foundations of mathematical abilities.

Drawing on developmental, educational, cognitive and neuropsychological studies, this book will be essential reading for all researchers of mathematical cognition. It will also be of interest to educators and other professionals working within individuals with arithmetic deficits.

chapter |4 pages

Introduction

chapter 1|24 pages

Individual differences in arithmetic

Children, adults, males, females, weaknesses and talents

chapter 4|34 pages

Counting and after

The importance of individual differences

chapter 5|26 pages

Is arithmetic a foreign language?

Representing numbers and arithmetic problems in different forms and translating between them

chapter 6|27 pages

Derived fact strategies

chapter 7|23 pages

A good guess

Estimation and individual differences

chapter 11|26 pages

“Maths Doesn’t Like Me Anymore”

The role of attitudes and emotions