Not Just IQ: Patterning Predicts Preschoolers' Math Knowledge Beyond Fluid Reasoning

Preschoolers' patterning skills are predictive of their concurrent and later math knowledge; however, it is unclear if patterning is only a proxy for general intelligence, or how it might support specific math skills. The current study examined the relation between 66 preschool children's patterning skills and their general cognitive abilities, including fluid reasoning, working memory, and spatial skill. Further, the link between patterning and general math knowledge and specific math skills (i.e., numeracy and shape knowledge) was examined. Children's patterning skills were significantly but only moderately linked to their performance on general cognitive ability measures (e.g., fluid reasoning). Further, beyond the effects of these general cognitive abilities, patterning significantly predicted both general math and numeracy knowledge, as well as verbal calculation and magnitude comparison. Thus, although patterning skills related to measures of general cognitive ability, patterning was a unique contributor to children's general math and numeracy knowledge and specific math skills. Theories of math development and early math standards should thus be modified to emphasize the role of children's patterning skills to their math development.