Cognitive Correlates in Learning Mathematics: a literature review

Abstract The objective of this study was to raise publications that investigated cognitive correlates in learning mathematics. Research was carried out in the Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo), Electronic Psychology Journals Portal (PePSIC), and Higher Education Personnel Coordination Journals (Capes) databases, from the descriptors: “Matemática”, “Matemática and aprendizagem”, “desempenho escolar”, “desempenho and aritmética”, and “aritmética”. To select the material, the following criteria were defined: the papers should be articles from empirical research reports, using a correlational design and presenting statistically significant results (p < 0.05). The studies should also have been conducted with Brazilian students with typical development. At first, the search resulted in 1.391 works, of which 16 met the criteria. Among the cognitive skills investigated are linguistic, metacognitive, intelligence, memory, among others. From the results presented, we determined the magnitude of the correlations of each skill in learning mathematics and the practical application of the findings. It is concluded that the investigated capacities demonstrate weak to strong magnitudes. In addition, researchers point out the importance of primary school teachers understanding the importance of these skills, what they can do to stimulate them, and the need to promote programs aimed at stimulating cognitive skills.