Consistency of response patterns in different estimation tasks

Abstract

Copyright © 2016 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. The current study aimed at addressing two issues concerning children's estimation performance: (1) to investigate whether the log-to-linear framework or the proportional judgment framework provided a better explanation of children's estimation patterns, and (2) to examine the consistency of response patterns in different estimation tasks. A sample of 179 Chinese first graders was assessed on their arithmetic performance and estimation skills (including numerosity naming, numerosity production, and number line). The log-to-linear framework was suggested to provide a better framework in explaining children's estimation patterns. Under this framework, we identified both common features and uniqueness of children's response patterns in different estimation tasks. Furthermore, different estimation skills uniquely contributed to children's arithmetic performance. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.