Training in Arithmetical Fluency

University Of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA

Investigators

Abstract

This work involves a new training approach to help adults learn to quickly and accurately solve multi-digit addition and subtraction problems (e.g., 34 + 29). We will use behavioral measures of skill to demonstrate that the training program improves the ability to solve addition and subtraction problems, and to determine whether the benefits extend to other types of mathematical tasks (e.g., solving an algebra problem, or comparing the magnitude of two numbers). Measures of brain function will be used to test the idea that our training approach leads to adaptive changes in a core brain region involved in "basic number sense."