Cognitive Correlate for Mathematical Problem-Solving: Spatial or Logic?

More and more studies have been devoted to exploring the cognitive mechanisms underlying mathematical problem-solving. Spatial processing and logical reasoning are widely regarded as important factors related to mathematical problem-solving. However, numerous studies have shown the predictive effect of spatial ability on mathematical problem-solving, whereas the role of logical reasoning is seldom investigated in empirical research. In this chapter, we introduce a structured spatial model for mathematical problem-solving, and we demonstrate the importance of spatial processing for mathematical problem-solving by discussing the role of spatial processing and logical reasoning in mathematical problem-solving, including mathematical word problem-solving, geometric problem-solving and open math problem-solving.