The Personal-Social Characteristics of Children With Poor Mathematical Computation Skills

Abstract

Twenty-two seventh- and eighth-grade students poor in mathematical computation but with average reading comprehension (low math group) were compared with two matched groups: below average in reading comprehension but average in mathematical computation (low reading group) and average in both reading comprehension and mathematical computation (no difference group). Each of the 66 subjects was rated by two teachers (English and mathematics) on the eight items of the Personal-Social Behavior section of the Myklebust Pupil Rating Scale. Factor analysis showed that the eight behaviors split into two factors: Factor I—responsibility and Factor II—social cooperation. The low math group was significantly lower than the other two groups on Factor I and the total scale but not on Factor II. Group differences occurred only among boys. It was concluded that children with a disability in mathematical computation may be at risk for impulsive and possibly antisocial behavior.