Fast processing speed, enhanced mathematics: exploring the relation between approximate number system and arithmetic ability in athletes and video game players

Abstract

The cognitive mechanisms linking the approximate number system (ANS) and arithmetic ability remain unclear. We hypothesized that processing speed is the underlying mechanism. Athletes (Study 1) and video game players (Study 2), both of whom exhibit faster processing speed, were recruited for this research. Participants completed a series of tasks to measure their processing speed, ANS ability, and arithmetic ability. Additionally, general intelligence, inhibitory control, and working memory were assessed to account for potential confounding variables. Structural equation modeling was used to examine whether processing speed could account for the relationship between ANS and arithmetic abilities. The results showed that athletes and video game players outperformed their control counterparts in terms of processing speed and ANS ability, which could explain the group differences in arithmetic ability. However, after controlling for processing speed, residual ANS ability could no longer explain the group differences in arithmetic performance. These results indicate that processing speed may be the underlying mechanism in the relationship between ANS and arithmetic ability.