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Online ISSN: 2622-5506
Articles

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

Fangping Wang (1), Nuraeni Ratna Sari (2), Bingli Wang (3)
(1) Jiangsu University of Technology, China (2) West Java Provincial Education Office, Indonesia (3) Northwest Normal University, China
DOI: https://doi.org/10.33292/petier.v8i2.317

Keywords

WISC-V mathematical learning disabilities diagnostic indicators elementary school assessment

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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