Psychology, Evaluation, and Technology in Educational Research
Vol. 8 No. 2 (2026): Article in Press

WISC-V cognitive indicators of mathematical learning disabilities in elementary school students: A case-control study

Wang, Fangping (Unknown)
Sari, Nuraeni Ratna (Unknown)
Wang, Bingli (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Apr 2026

Abstract

Mathematical learning disabilities (MLD) involve persistent and heterogeneous difficulties in acquiring age-appropriate mathematical skills, requiring assessment through both cognitive and classroom-based indicators. This study examined whether WISC-V profiles differentiate elementary students with MLD from typically developing peers and support an integrated classification model. A case-control design involved 120 students aged 8–12 years, comprising 60 students formally identified with MLD and 60 age-matched controls. Participants completed the WISC-V Chinese Edition and a Mathematical Achievement Test, while teachers completed the Teacher Questionnaire on Mathematical Performance. Data were analyzed using t tests, effect sizes, correlations, discriminant analysis, and ROC analysis. Students with MLD scored significantly lower on all WISC-V primary indices, particularly Working Memory (d = 2.10) and Processing Speed (d = 1.60). Quantitative Reasoning showed the strongest ancillary-index separation (d = 3.03). Arithmetic, Digit Span, and Figure Weights were the most discriminating subtests. MAT deficits were greatest in word problems (d = 3.29) and mental computation (d = 3.03). QRI correlated most strongly with MAT total score (r = .84, p < .001), and the combined model achieved 89.2% accuracy and AUC = .986. QRI, WMI, Arithmetic, Digit Span, word problems, and mental computation are promising screening indicators for MLD, pending external validation.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

PETIER

Publisher

Subject

Computer Science & IT Education Social Sciences

Description

Psychology, Evaluation, and Technology in Educational Research is a peer reviewed open-access journal which publishes educational research articles in psychology, evaluation, and technology. Every submitted manuscript will be reviewed by at least two peer-reviewers using double blind review ...