The semantic system is involved in mathematical problem solving

Numerous studies have shown that the brain regions around bilateral intraparietal cortex are critical for number processing and arithmetical computation. However, the neural circuits for more advanced mathematics such as mathematical problem solving (with little routine arithmetical computation) rem...

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Published inNeuroImage (Orlando, Fla.) Vol. 166; pp. 360 - 370
Main Authors Zhou, Xinlin, Li, Mengyi, Li, Leinian, Zhang, Yiyun, Cui, Jiaxin, Liu, Jie, Chen, Chuansheng
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States Elsevier Inc 01.02.2018
Elsevier Limited
Subjects
Adolescent
Adult
Brain
Brain mapping
Brain Mapping - methods
Cerebral Cortex - physiology
Cognition & reasoning
College students
Female
Functional magnetic resonance imaging
Functional magnetism resonance imaging
Humans
Image processing
Information processing
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Male
Mathematical Concepts
Mathematical problem solving
Mathematical problems
Mathematical processing
Meta-analysis
Multiplication & division
Neural networks
Neuroimaging
Phonetics
Precentral gyrus
Problem solving
Problem Solving - physiology
Semantic processing
Semantic system
Semantics
Supplementary motor area
Systematic review
Young Adult
Mathematical processing
Semantic system
Mathematical problem solving
Functional magnetism resonance imaging
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Summary:Numerous studies have shown that the brain regions around bilateral intraparietal cortex are critical for number processing and arithmetical computation. However, the neural circuits for more advanced mathematics such as mathematical problem solving (with little routine arithmetical computation) remain unclear. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), this study (N = 24 undergraduate students) compared neural bases of mathematical problem solving (i.e., number series completion, mathematical word problem solving, and geometric problem solving) and arithmetical computation. Direct subject- and item-wise comparisons revealed that mathematical problem solving typically had greater activation than arithmetical computation in all 7 regions of the semantic system (which was based on a meta-analysis of 120 functional neuroimaging studies on semantic processing). Arithmetical computation typically had greater activation in the supplementary motor area and left precentral gyrus. The results suggest that the semantic system in the brain supports mathematical problem solving.
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ISSN:1053-8119
1095-9572
1095-9572
DOI:10.1016/j.neuroimage.2017.11.017