A Neuropsychological Approach of Developmental Dyscalculia and a Screening Test Via a Web Application

Authors

  • Nikolaos Christos Zygouris Computer Science Department University of Thessaly Lamia, Greece
  • Filippos Vlachos Department of Special Education University of Thessaly Volos, Greece
  • Antonios N. Dadaliaris Computer Science Department University of Thessaly Lamia, Greece
  • Panagiotis Oikonomou Computer Science Department University of Thessaly Lamia, Greece
  • Georgios I Stamoulis Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of Thessaly Volos, Greece
  • Denis Vavougios Department of Special Education University of Thessaly Volos, Greece
  • Evaggelia Nerantzaki Computer Science Department University of Thessaly Lamia, Greece
  • Aikaterini Striftou Computer Science Department University of Thessaly Lamia, Greece

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijep.v7i4.7434

Keywords:

Developmental Dyscalculia, cognitive abilities, computer based screening

Abstract


Traditional definitions of Developmental Dyscalculia state that a child must substantially underachieve on mathematical abilities tests relative to the level expected given age, education and intelligence. However, cognitive developmental neuropsychological studies nowadays suggest that not only core numerical but also cognitive skills of children with developmental dyscalculia present deficits. The main aim of the research protocol was to construct a battery of six tests that can be delivered by computer in order to screen children’s arithmetic and cognitive skills. The hypothesis of the study was that children that are already diagnosed by paper and pencil tests as dyscalculic will present lower scores and larger time latencies not only in arithmetical but also in executive function tasks. A total of 134 right handed children (74 male and 60 female, age range 8 – 12 years) participated in this study. The students with disorders in mathematics (N= 67, 37 male and 30 female age range 8 – 12 years M= 10.15 SD=1.10) had a statement of dyscalculia after assessment at a Centre of Diagnosis, Assessment and Support, as it is required by Greek Law. A comparison group without any learning disabilities was individually matched with the dyscalculic group according to age, sex and grade (N=67, 37 male and 30 female, age range 8 – 12 years old, M=10.24 SD=1.12). Statistical analysis revealed that children with dyscalculia had statistically significant lower mean scores of correct answers and larger time latencies in all tasks compared to their average peers that participated in the comparison group.`

Author Biographies

Nikolaos Christos Zygouris, Computer Science Department University of Thessaly Lamia, Greece

Adjunct Lecturer

Filippos Vlachos, Department of Special Education University of Thessaly Volos, Greece

Professor

Antonios N. Dadaliaris, Computer Science Department University of Thessaly Lamia, Greece

Adjunct Lecturer

Panagiotis Oikonomou, Computer Science Department University of Thessaly Lamia, Greece

PhD candidate

Georgios I Stamoulis, Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of Thessaly Volos, Greece

Professor

Denis Vavougios, Department of Special Education University of Thessaly Volos, Greece

Professor

Evaggelia Nerantzaki, Computer Science Department University of Thessaly Lamia, Greece

PhD Candidate

Aikaterini Striftou, Computer Science Department University of Thessaly Lamia, Greece

PhD Candidate

Downloads

Published

2017-11-24

How to Cite

Zygouris, N. C., Vlachos, F., Dadaliaris, A. N., Oikonomou, P., Stamoulis, G. I., Vavougios, D., … Striftou, A. (2017). A Neuropsychological Approach of Developmental Dyscalculia and a Screening Test Via a Web Application. International Journal of Engineering Pedagogy (iJEP), 7(4), pp. 51–65. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijep.v7i4.7434

Issue

Section

Special Focus Papers