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ERIC Number: EJ1463738
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Jun
Pages: N/A
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1040-726X
EISSN: EISSN-1573-336X
Available Date: 2025-03-22
The Relation between Spontaneous Focusing on Numerosity and Mathematics Performance: A Meta-Analysis
Xiangyu Li1,2; Boby Ho-Hong Ching2; Lihua Tan2; Xiaofei Li2; Jiajia Li2; Tiffany Ting Chen2
Educational Psychology Review, v37 n2 Article 27 2025
Substantial research has explored the connection between children's spontaneous focusing on numerosity (SFON) and their current and later mathematical achievement. However, the findings have been inconsistent, and no comprehensive investigation has yet been conducted. This meta-analysis examines the relation between SFON and mathematics performance in preschool and school-age students and identifies potential moderators, including SFON measurement methods, SFON scoring methods, number size in SFON tasks, domains of mathematics skills, temporal relations, time lags, and age. Based on 171 effect sizes from 35 independent samples, involving 6604 participants across 29 studies, results revealed a significant positive correlation between SFON and mathematics performance (r = 0.274), with bidirectionality and longitudinal stability. The correlation remained significant after controlling for working memory, nonverbal intelligence, and inhibition, respectively. Moderation analyses showed stronger correlations with mathematics performance for behavioral-based tasks and scoring methods that consider both accuracy and quantifying acts. SFON tasks involving smaller numbers (less than ten) yielded stronger correlations with mathematics performance. Temporal relations emerged as a significant moderator, with a stronger longitudinal link from mathematics performance to SFON compared to the reverse. Age was another significant moderator, with the link strengthening with age. Interaction effects among moderators were also observed. Theoretical implications of these findings regarding the SFON-mathematics performance relation are discussed, and practical implications for comprehensive assessment of children's SFON.
Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link-springer-com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Information Analyses
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1Southwest University, Department of Special Education, Chongqing, China; 2University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Faculty of Education, Macau SAR, China