AI-powered
Study of Mathematical Learning in Children
Study on Improving Math Skills through Understanding Spatial Relationships
S
Sharlene Newman
Primary Investigator
Enrolling By Invitation
7 years - 8 years
All
Phase
N/A
1 Location
Brief description of study
The purpose of this study is to investigate mathematical and number processing. There is considerable data to suggest a relationship between visuo-spatial processing ability and mathematical ability. The question here is whether training on visuo-spatial tasks can lead to improvements in mathematical ability. Based on previous research, we hypothesize that children who play a competitive tabletop block building game will perform better on visuo-spatial and arithmetic tasks than children who spend the same amount of time playing a competitive non-block building board game or a non-competitive free block play.
THIS STUDY IS ENROLLING BY INVITATION ONLY - We will also recruit via the KID database protocol #08-13455.
Detailed description of study
During the first session children will be asked to complete the Tower of London task, math/number ability assessment, verbal and non-verbal IQ tests, and play a block building game and parents will be asked to complete a 5 min survey about the types of games and activities their child engages in as well as basic demographic information including whether their child has any neurological disorders. After these behavioral assessments, participants will undergo safety screening to enter the MRI environment, and will be shown the scanner simulator to make sure they will be comfortable. The first session will take 60 mins.
On the second day of the study participants will practice visuo-spatial and arithmetic tasks in the scanner simulator. They will then be asked to enter the real MRI scanner. The scanning begins with a number of scan cycles that produce images of the patient’s brain. They take about 5 minutes to complete. When it takes images, the scanner makes loud buzzing and clicking noises. They will be given ear-protection. After these scans are completed, we will begin the scans that record their brain activity while they perform mathematical and visuo-spatial tasks. After the experimental tasks are completed the participant can lie still and relax while anatomical pictures of his/her brain are acquired. They will then play the block building game for 30 mins. The second session will take 90 minutes (15 min to practice, 30 min in scanner, 30 min to play the game and time to move from activity to activity).
There will be four additional sessions during which participants will either play Block Rocks, a competitive tabletop block building game, or a competitive, non-block building board game with other participants. Parents of participants will be asked to complete a survey to provide information about their recollections of their children's experiences with block playing and math ability. The training sessions will be 30 mins in duration. We would like for them to be on 5 consecutive days but this is not required.
The second MRI session will be completed after training. Participants will undergo safety screening to enter the MRI environment, and will practice visuo-spatial and arithmetic tasks in the scanner simulator. They will then be asked to enter the real MRI scanner. The scanning begins with a number of scan cycles that produce images of the patient’s brain. They take about 5 minutes to complete. When it takes images, the scanner makes loud buzzing and clicking noises. They will be given ear-protection. After these scans are completed, we will begin the scans that record their brain activity while they perform mathematical and visuo-spatial tasks. After the experimental tasks are completed the participant can lie still and relax while anatomical pictures of his/her brain are acquired. In addition they will be asked to complete a math test. This session usually lasts 60 minutes.
There will be a total of 7 session on 7 different days: Session 1 will be 60 min Session 2 90 min Session 3-6 30 min each Session 7 60 min.
Eligibility of study
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:
- Conditions: Healthy
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Age: 7 years - 8 years
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Gender: All
Inclusion criteria
Ages 7-8
Exclusion Criteria
Children with a history of neurological or psychiatric disorders as detailed by their parents will be excluded.
Children outside of the age range will be excluded.
Children who have ferromagnetic metal implants or braces or any other contraindication for MR scanning will be excluded
This study investigates the relationship between visuo-spatial processing and mathematical ability in children. The purpose of this study is to see if playing a block building game can improve math skills. Visuo-spatial tasks involve understanding where objects are in space and how they relate to each other, which may help with solving math problems.
Participants will take part in several activities, including playing block games and undergoing MRI scans. An MRI scan is a test that uses a machine to take pictures of the brain. The study includes tests to measure math and number skills, as well as IQ tests. During MRI scans, participants will perform tasks while their brain activity is recorded.
- Who can participate: Children aged 7-8 years old are eligible to participate. Participants should not have any history of neurological or psychiatric disorders. Children with metal implants or braces that interfere with MRI scans are excluded.
- Study details: Participants will engage in different activities, including playing a block building game and completing tasks in an MRI scanner.
- Study visits: The study requires 7 visits.
Updated on
25 Sep 2025.
Study ID: 1810934273
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