11/21/2024 Xueying (Caroline) Ren: Understanding the neural basis of math competence in both children and adults
CCN Brown Bag
Xueying (Caroline) Ren, PhD
Postdoc, Vinci-Booher Lab
Peabody College
Date: Thursday, November 21, 2024
Time: 12:10PM-1:00PM
Location: 316 Wilson Hall
Understanding the Neural Basis of Math Competence in both Children and Adults
Developing math skills early is crucial for success in modern society, yet individuals show significant differences in math performance and learning abilities. In this talk, I will present my dissertation study, which examines the neural foundations of these differences using fMRI data from 104 adults and 88 children engaged in numerical and phonological tasks. I identified two sets of brain regions: Tier 1 regions, consistently active across both groups, include the left inferior occipital gyrus, right inferior parietal cortex, and right intraparietal sulcus. Tier 2 regions, identified through peak-finding, include the left fusiform gyrus, right inferior/middle occipital gyrus, and left middle occipital gyrus. My results revealed that adults with stronger connectivity in visual processing areas (Tier 2) exhibit better math skills. Conversely, in children, weaker connectivity between visual processing and parietal regions (Tier 1 and between tiers) is associated with greater math abilities. These findings offer key insights into the neural underpinnings of math competence and underscore the importance of brain connectivity in math skill development. Lastly, I will outline the research I plan to pursue during my postdoctoral studies.
Questions? Contact Isabel Gauthier.