Individual Differences in Arithmetic Fact Retrieval
Abstract In this chapter I summarize research on individual differences in arithmetic fact retrieval through the lens of educational neuroscience. By generating predictions about underlying cognitive processes based on neuroimaging data, developmental behavioral studies have revealed that symbolic numerical magnitude processing plays a unique role in children's early arithmetic facts acquisition. Such studies also suggest that phonological processing might play a role in fact retrieval. Other studies in educational neuroscience point to the recruitment of a widespread brain network during fact retrieval, including the prefrontal cortex, inferior parietal cortex, and the medial temporal lobe. The fact that the organization of this network changes over time highlights the continuing need for developmental imaging studies.