Exploring Cognitive Literacy, with Math?
There is an old saying that if you’re good at language, you should be good at math. After all, isn’t math (especially algebra) a language of its own? New research has found that those excelling in language arts but struggling with mathematics engage brain areas for reading during math. Dive into the realm of cognitive literacy intertwined with mathematics, unraveling the intricate connections between cognition and numerical reasoning.
Mathematical Brain Networks
Researchers were initially studying dyslexia at the University of Buffalo when they noticed that the brain was using the same functional networks for reading as it was for math. When you’re reading, you’re using the visual cortex and your auditory cortex within the brain. Throughout the day, different tasks prompt switching; for example, using your hand activates the visual cortex with the pre-motor cortex.
Brain Network Insights
Different areas of the brain collaborate, forming functional networks, as each task requires specific signals to be sent. This was highlighted when the researchers were studying dyslexia through MRI scans between two groups of readers in either a good reading group or a poor reading group. The researchers highlighted this while studying dyslexia through MRI scans comparing good and poor reading groups.
Participants’ spontaneous task of mental multiplication aimed to generalize the findings, revealing the real surprise. The unexpected discovery highlighted a deeper connection between reading and math abilities in the brain’s functional networks. The study’s unexpected findings revealed that math engaged the same brain network as reading, despite initial assumptions. This discovery highlights the interconnectedness of cognitive functions and underscores the importance of further research in this area.
These results shape how proficient one is in reading, influencing how the brain tackles mathematical tasks. Could reading enhance your math abilities, or could improved math skills boost your reading comprehension? Literacy is essential for cognitive health, emphasizing the need for lifelong learning and education. It’s crucial for maintaining sharp cognition.
References
Chris McNorgan. The Connectivity Fingerprints of Highly-Skilled and Disordered Reading Persist Across Cognitive Domains. Frontiers in Computational Neuroscience, 2021; 15 DOI: 10.3389/fncom.2021.590093
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