Nature/nurture and the origin of individual differences in mathematics: evidence from infant and behavioural genetics studies

Elena Rusconi, Janet F. McLean

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    Abstract

    In this chapter, we discuss empirical evidence addressing the nature-nurture debate from two different perspectives: infant studies and behavioural genetics. Current evidence suggests that there are two cognitive systems for encoding numerical information, and perhaps core systems for geometry. However, questions remain about whether these systems are both present at birth and hence the degree of determinism and the mechanisms by which they connect to later mathematics are still far from established. Behavioural genetics studies offer a valuable way to assess the origin of individual differences in mathematical cognition and to discriminate between genetic and environmental contributions. We thus review relevant evidence on core quantitative knowledge, mathematical abilities and cross-domain relations from twin studies. We conclude by suggesting that while there is convincing evidence of nature’s general and specific role in mathematics, it is clear that environment plays a fundamental role too. The real question for the future is not whether mathematics has a natural core but how to optimise the interaction between nature and nurture so that differential domain-specific and domain-general predispositions can meet an ideal environment to blossom into competent mathematics.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationThe nature and development of mathematics
    Subtitle of host publicationcross disciplinary perspectives on cognition, learning and culture
    EditorsJohn W. Adams, Patrick Barmby, Alex Mesoudi
    Place of PublicationAbingdon
    PublisherRoutledge
    Chapter2.1
    Pages23-40
    Number of pages17
    ISBN (Electronic)9781315648163
    ISBN (Print)9781138124417
    Publication statusPublished - 19 Apr 2017

    Keywords

    • Mathematics
    • Numeracy
    • Neonates
    • Infants
    • Cognitive development
    • Individual differences
    • Twins
    • Behavioural genetics

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