Executive Functions and Conceptual Change in Science and Mathematics Learning

Stella Vosniadou, Dimitrios Pnevmantikos, Nikos Makris, Kalliopi Ikospentaki, Despina Lepenioti, Anna Chountala, Giorgos Kyrianakis

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

    11 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    We investigate the hypothesis that Executive Functions (EFs) are implicated in the learning of science and mathematics by examining the relation between performance in two Science and Mathematics Conceptual Understanding and Conceptual Change (CU&C) tasks, and two Stroop-like Inhibition and Shifting EF tasks, in a group of 69 4th and 6th grader children. The results showed high correlations between accuracy performance in the CU&C and EF tasks even when Intelligence Ability (IA) and Age were partialed out. A path analytic model showed that performance in the CU&C tasks could be explained by performance in the EF and IA tasks, which were positively related to each other. Further analyses showed that accuracy of performance particularly in the CU&C tasks could be predicted by performance in the EF tasks, with high or medium EF scores being a prerequisite for placement in the group of high CU&C achievers.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationProceedings of the 37th Annual Meeting of the Cognitive Science Society, CogSci 2015
    EditorsDavid C. Noelle, Rick Dale, Anne Warlaumont, Jeff Yoshimi, Teenie Matlock, Carolyn D. Jennings, Paul P. Maglio
    PublisherThe Cognitive Science Society
    Pages2529-2534
    Number of pages6
    ISBN (Electronic)9780991196722
    Publication statusPublished - 2015
    Event37th Annual Meeting of the Cognitive Science Society: Mind, Technology, and Society, CogSci 2015 - Pasadena, United States
    Duration: 23 Jul 201525 Jul 2015

    Publication series

    NameProceedings of the 37th Annual Meeting of the Cognitive Science Society, CogSci 2015

    Conference

    Conference37th Annual Meeting of the Cognitive Science Society: Mind, Technology, and Society, CogSci 2015
    Country/TerritoryUnited States
    CityPasadena
    Period23/07/1525/07/15

    Keywords

    • Conceptual Change
    • Executive Functions
    • Mathematics Learning
    • Science Learning and Teaching
    • Teaching

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