| Abstract: | In this study we tested the hypothesis that quantitative reasoning performance is a function of specific processing components as well as general cognitive abilities such as working memory capacity, reasoning, and verbal comprehension. Subjects were administered tests of these three ability factors as well as tests designed to measure three components thought to underlie algebra word problem solving: problem-type identification, decomposition and sequencing, and problem translation. Confirmatory factor analyses indicated good fits for our models of the general ability factors and the word-problem-solving components. Further analyses indicated that the word-problem-solving components added substantially to the more general cognitive abilities in explaining variance in arithmetic reasoning and math knowledge test scores obtained from the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. We conclude that although general cognitive ability and/or working memory are certainly important ingredients of quantitative reasoning, specific processing components suggested by cognitive theory are at least as important determinants of performance. |
