When Problem Size Matters: Differential Effects of Brain Stimulation on Arithmetic Problem Solving and Neural Oscillations

Numerous studies have identified neurophysiological correlates of performing arithmetic in adults. For example, oscillatory electroencephalographic (EEG) patterns associated with retrieval and procedural strategies are well established. Whereas fact retrieval has been linked to enhanced left-hemispheric theta ERS (event-related synchronization), procedural strategies are accompanied by increased bilateral alpha ERD (event-related desynchronization). It is currently not clear if these findings generalize to children.Our study is the first to investigate oscillatory EEG activity related to strategy use and arithmetic operations in children. We assessed ERD/ERS correlates of 31 children in fourth grade (aged between nine and ten years) during arithmetic problem solving. We presented multiplication and subtraction problems, which children solved with fact retrieval or via a procedure. Based on both problem size and verbal strategy reports, we analyzed these problem types separately for each operation.We found similar strategy-related patterns to those reported in previous studies with adults. That is, retrieval problems elicited stronger left-hemispheric theta ERS and weaker alpha ERD as compared to procedural problems. Interestingly, we observed differences between multiplications and subtractions within retrieval problems. Although there were no response time and accuracy differences, retrieved multiplications were accompanied by larger theta ERS than retrieved subtractions. This finding could indicate that retrieval of multiplication and subtraction facts are distinct processes, and/or that multiplications are more frequently retrieved than subtractions in this age group.

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Faculty Opinions recommendation of What difference does a year of schooling make? Maturation of brain response and connectivity between 2nd and 3rd grades during arithmetic problem solving.

Faculty Opinions – Post-Publication Peer Review of the Biomedical Literature ◽

10.3410/f.13352984.14724091 ◽

2011 ◽

Author(s):

Jane Holmes Bernstein

Keyword(s):

Problem Solving ◽

Arithmetic Problem ◽

Brain Response

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Strategy switch costs in arithmetic problem solving

Memory & Cognition ◽

10.3758/mc.38.3.322 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 38 (3) ◽

pp. 322-332 ◽

Cited By ~ 59

Author(s):

P. Lemaire ◽

M. Lecacheur

Keyword(s):

Problem Solving ◽

Arithmetic Problem ◽

Switch Costs ◽

Strategy Switch

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Differential effects of withdrawal from chronic amphetamine or fluoxetine administration on brain stimulation reward in the rat - interactions between the two drugs

Psychopharmacology ◽

10.1007/s002130051060 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 145 (3) ◽

pp. 283-294 ◽

Cited By ~ 70

Author(s):

D. Lin ◽

George F. Koob ◽

Athina Markou

Keyword(s):

Brain Stimulation ◽

Brain Stimulation Reward ◽

Differential Effects ◽

Chronic Amphetamine

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The arithmetic problem size effect in children: an event-related potential study

Frontiers in Human Neuroscience ◽

10.3389/fnhum.2014.00756 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Leen Van Beek ◽

Pol GhesquiÃ¨r ◽

Bert De Smedt ◽

Lieven Lagae

Keyword(s):

Size Effect ◽

Event Related Potential ◽

Arithmetic Problem ◽

Problem Size ◽

Potential Study ◽

Problem Size Effect

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The Development Of Mathematics Handout Based On Local Wisdom Nuanced For Secondary Students

Jurnal Riset Pendidikan dan Inovasi Pembelajaran Matematika (JRPIPM) ◽

10.26740/jrpipm.v2n2.p93-102 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

pp. 93

Author(s):

Hani Rizkia Putri ◽

Rooselyna Ekawati

Keyword(s):

Problem Solving ◽

Secondary Students ◽

Mathematical Problem ◽

Mathematical Problem Solving ◽

Test Evaluation ◽

Arithmetic Problem ◽

Problem Solving Skills ◽

Maximum Score ◽

Future Studies ◽

The Social

This study aims to develop a mathematics handout based on local wisdom nuanced to increase the mathematical problem-solving skill of the Secondary students. This research is motivated by the student’s ability to solve the social arithmetic problem. This study used four phases of developmental research such as Investigation, Design, Realization, and Test, Evaluation, and Revision. The characteristics of local wisdom were acquired within the design or context in the mathematics handout to develop secondary students problem-solving skills. The results show that the students do the stages of problem-solving by Polya, get the maximum score and show students’ positive responses in the questionnaire given. Therefore, it met the proper handout criteria such as valid, practice, and effective. In the future studies, we encouraged to develop learning materials which have a guide to do phases of problem-solving and apply the way to solve some problems in mathematics.

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