Research distinguishes three types of arithmetic: exact arithmetic, computational estimation and approximate arithmetic. Little is, however, known about the interrelationship among these three arithmetic skills and the general cognitive and early numeracy skills that underlie these arithmetic skills. The current study investigates this interrelationship and underlying processes in 389 kindergartners. Exact arithmetic and computational estimation skills were assessed using a manipulative task, while approximate arithmetic was measured using a computerized task. Correlational analysis showed significant relations among the three arithmetic skills. At the same time, confirmatory factor analyses showed that they are different constructs. In addition, regression analysis showed that different general cognitive and early numeracy skills are predictive of the three arithmetic skills. Since the different arithmetic skills are related but distinct constructs and because they are driven by different processes, teaching and learning each of these skills ask for a different approach.

中文翻译：

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精确算术、计算估计和近似算术是不同的技能：来自 5 岁儿童研究的证据

研究区分了三种类型的算术：精确算术、计算估计和近似算术。然而，关于这三种算术技能以及作为这些算术技能基础的一般认知和早期算术技能之间的相互关系知之甚少。目前的研究调查了 389 名幼儿园儿童的这种相互关系和潜在过程。使用操作性任务评估精确算术和计算估计技能，而使用计算机化任务测量近似算术。相关分析表明三种算术技能之间存在显着关系。同时，验证性因素分析表明它们是不同的结构。此外，回归分析表明，不同的一般认知技能和早期算术技能可以预测三种算术技能。由于不同的算术技能是相关的但又是不同的结构，并且由于它们由不同的过程驱动，因此教授和学习这些技能中的每一种都需要不同的方法。