prova

Giulia Vigna (s3053598)Leiden University March 30th 2023

Research Proposal

Mental number line training for math difficulties: A science-based intervention vs. Bortolato's line of 100

• Switch full-empty
• Children keep counting one by one

Background

...But

Never scientifically tested

...But

Background

• Effective training for math difficulties
• First step in validating a method already largely implemented
• Basis for further studies (e.g. prevention of dyscalculia)

• New directions (e.g. why mixed effects about the association SNARC - numerical skills)
• Educational Neuroscience

SCIENCE

SOCIETY

Relevance

How to improve arithmetical abilities and spatial working memory in children with math difficulties?

2. La linea del 100 (Metodo Analogico di Camillo Bortolato)

1.Rescue Calcularis (Kucian et al., 2011)

• 1 vs. nothing?
• 2 vs. nothing?
• 1 vs. 2?

Research Questions

• Both computerized
• Played daily at home
• 15 min, 5 days a week for 5 weeks

• Timer in the computer

Interventions

• N = 200; 9-10 years old
• Arithmetical skills are 1.5 standard deviations below the average
• No developmental psychopathologies other than specific learning disabilities
• Their teachers have never used Bortolato’s method before
• Never trained for dyscalculia before

Participants

5 weeks

5 weeks

5 weeks

Assessment 4

Assessment 3

Assessment 2

Rest

Rest

Rest

Rest

Randomization

Assessment 1

Recruitment

ANOVA, t-tests, multilevel analysis

Measures

• IQ: WISC-III
• Numerical skills:

- Number line - Neuropsychological Test Battery for Number Processing and Calculation in Children [ZAREKI-R: (von Aster et al., 2006)]

• Spatial working memory:

- Corsi-Block Tapping test (Schellig, 1997)

• Motivation / Pleasure in doing the intervention: questionnaire

Design

Feasibility and potential pitfalls

Ethical aspects

Limitations

Thank you! Any questions?