The role of cognitive factors of attention, processing speed and working memory in predicting math learning disorder in primary school children

Specific learning disabilities are one of the most common childhood problems. There are much evidence showing the role of the cognitive factors in the etiology and treatment of learning disorders. The aim of current study was to predict math learning disability based on cognitive factors of attention, processing speed and working memory in primary school children.

The research method was descriptive and based on correlation-prediction models. The statistical population included all primary school children aged 7 to 11 in Zabol in the academic year of 1998-99. The statistical sample consisted of 50 students who were selected by convenience sampling method. Wechsler test for children, attention performance test and Iranian key math test were used to collect data.

The results of the present study showed that there is a significant relationship between processing speed, working memory and attention performance with performance in the key math test (P<0.01). Our findings also indicated that processing speed, working memory and attention significantly used to be significant predictors for the key math test score R2 = .12, F(1, 225) = 42.64, p < .01 . Discussion and

It is very important to consider cognitive factors in the diagnosis and treatment of math problems in primary school children. It seems that the use of computer programs can improve and enhance attention, working memory and processing speed. And based on this, we can take action to improve the mathematical problem.