Abstracts - Earli

(N=116) is related to working memory (WM), namely central executive (CE), visuo-spatial WM(VSWM) and phonological WM. In addition, we analyzed the impact of language abilities tochildren’s early numeracy. The general intelligence was a controlled variable. The data wascollected during April and May 2006 and will be analysed in autumn 2006. The purpose of theanalysis is to investigate whether the performance in different WM tasks (storing, simultaneousstoring and processing, visuo-spatial, verbal) explains early numeracy performance (incl. relationaland counting skills). We will also examine how much of the early numeracy skills can beexplained by language skills including the possible interactions between e.g. language andworking memory. Structural regression modelling will be used. The results are relevant especiallyfor the special education field, which designs the early screening measurements and providessupport for children with mathematical difficulties.The role of executive functioning and inhibition in early mathematicsJose I. Navarro, University of Cadiz, SpainManuel Aguilar, University of Cadiz, SpainConcepcion Alcalde, University of Cadiz, SpainEsperanza Marchena, University of Cadiz, SpainJesus Garcia, University of Cadiz, SpainGonzalo Ruiz, University of Cadiz, SpainThe Utrecht Early Numeracy Test (ENT) assesses young children’s number sense. Four subscalesrefer to the logical principles identified as the key factors underlying children’s understanding ofquantities and relations, and four subscales focus more explicitly on the use and understanding ofnumbers. The purpose of this study was to examine the cognitive correlates in the ENT. Inhibitoryprocesses, working memory, and naming speed were evaluated. Inhibitory processes refer to thecentral, active suppression of information that is irrelevant to the task at hand. The WorkingMemory (WM) tasks require children to hold increasingly complex information in memory whileresponding to the questions about a task. Naming Speed refers to rapidly respond on a variety ofthe most familiar visual symbols and stimuli in the language. A total of 50 children, aged between4 and 7 from Cadiz (Spain) schools district participated in this study. The mean age of theparticipants was 5 y.1 m. Intelligence was evaluated by WISC-IV. The naming speed was assessedby The Rapid Automatized Naming Test. A version of the Stroop task yielded measures ofeffortful inhibition, and susceptibility to interference. Finally, WM was assessed by the ChildrenWorking Memory Test. Students were tested in mobile research laboratories on school groundsduring their second- or third preschool years or first primary school year. A variance analysis ofresults and predictor cognitive variables (WM, inhibitory processes and naming speed) for TheENT performer will be analyzed. Hypothesis prediction suggests that the higher scores in theworking memory, and the inhibitory processes, rather than naming speed will results in better ENTperforming.Precursors of early mathematics learningMaria Chiara Passolunghi, University of Trieste, ItalyNumerical learning is an essential component in education and deficit in mathematicalunderstanding strongly impair functioning, at school but also in everyday life. Research shows ahigh incidence of difficulties in mathematics learning in the population; about 7% of schoolchildren suffer from a cognitive or neuropsychological deficit that interferes with the acquisitionof normal competence in mathematics. This research aims at identifying the precursors ofmathematics learning at the beginning of primary school. There are few experimental studies on– 377 –