Poster #7 - Correlates of Number Line Estimation in Preschoolers

• In Event: Poster Session 20

Abstract

Number line estimation is significant in the development of math skills because it has been found to have a strong correlation with mathematical competence (Schneider, Mertz, Stricker, De Smedt, Torybens, Verschaffel, and Luwel, 2018). However, know less about predictors of number line estimation, even though there are several other skills within number sense abilities developing at the same time. We also know less about potential confounds in these associations, particularly does family SES explain the association between early math skills associated with number line estimation? We focused on subitizing as a correlate of early number line estimation, as it allows for the focus on the units and number as a whole at the same time. Subitizing may also be a factor in creating approaches to counting and other math concepts (Paliwal and Baroody, 2020).

We examined the associations between subitizing and number line estimation in a racially and economically diverse sample of preschoolers. Participants included 196 children (51.5% female; Mage = 55 mos.). Children were assessed using a subitizing task in which children were asked to quickly report the quantity of a specific set of dots (1-6) (Feigenson,Dehaene, & Spelke, 2004). They were also assessed using the number line estimation task where they were asked to place numbers 1-10 in a random order on a number line (Ramani & Siegler, 2008).

Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that children’s subitizing ability was significantly related to their number line estimation skills, controlling for age and gender (B = .49, p < .001). In the second model, we added SES (i.e., family income) as a predictor. SES was a significant predictor of number line estimation skills (B = .19, p = .033), but subitizing also remained a significant predictor as well (B = .45, p < .001). These results suggest that subitizing ability is a unique correlate of number line estimation, independent of family income. Subitizing allows a child to develop certain ways of grouping numbers that aids them in basic mathematical skills, which would correlate to the NLE task. Further analyses with additional mathematical and demographic predictors were also explored.

Authors

• Emma Wilt
  Presenting Author

• Mary Catherine Wagner Fuhs, University of Dayton