The Interplay of Processing Efficiency and Working Memory with the Development of Metacognitive Performance in Mathematics

Abstract

The present study outlines a specific three level hierarchy of the cognitive system and especially the relations of specific cognitive and metacognitive processes in mathematics. The emphasis is on the impact of the development of processing efficiency and working memory ability on the development of metacognitive abilities and mathematical performance. We used instruments measuring pupils' metacognitive ability, mathematical performance, working memory and processing efficiency. We administered them to 126 pupils (8-11 years old) three times, with breaks of 3-4 months between them. Results indicated that the development of each of the abilities was affected by the state of the others. Particularly, processing efficiency had a coordinator role on the growth of mathematical performance, while self-image, as a specific metacognitive ability, depended mainly on the previous working memory ability. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)