How Memory Counts in Mathematical Development

Memory has been well-established as a predictor of mathematics achievement in child development. Nevertheless, empirical evidence remains elusive on the unique role of the different forms of memory and their specific mechanisms as predictors of mathematics development. Therefore, in this study, the role of visuospatial short-term memory, visuospatial working memory, verbal short-term memory, and verbal long-term memory was investigated at three key stages of the development of mathematics (5–6 years, 6–7 years, 7–8 years), as well as their interactions across development. The relation between the different memory types and informal and formal mathematics was also studied. The findings of this study provide empirical support for a shift in the relation between different memory types and mathematics achievement over development with: 1) visuospatial short-term memory predicting informal mathematics achievement at the age of 5–6 years; 2) visuospatial working memory predicting informal and formal mathematics achievement at the age of 6–7 years; and 3) verbal short-term memory predicting formal mathematics achievement at the age of 7–8 years. These shifts clearly appear consistent with children’s mathematics curriculum content over time and the requirements of mathematics acquisition at specific stages in development. With these findings, the unique role of various forms of memory in the development of mathematics and the timeframe in which they play a crucial part is highlighted, which should be taken into consideration for future research and possible intervention studies in children’s mathematics achievement.