Project description
MRI explains how the human brain learns maths
The EU-funded NeuroMath project will compare learning neural mechanisms in children and adults. It will also investigate the role of language in math acquisition, as well as correlations between understanding dropouts with specific neural markers. The research will study brain activity in children and adults during mathematics acquisition. It will conduct two experiments with the supervision of leading world experts in the field of math cognition and the development of mathematics 'core knowledge' in infancy. The experiments will explain differences of brain engagement during learning of math versus other general semantic concepts.
Objective
How do humans learn and manipulate mathematical concepts? In previous research, I have shown that (1) advanced mathematical reflection on concepts encoded for many years does not recruit the brain circuits for language; (2) non-verbal acquisition of geometrical rules call upon a language of thought that is independent of natural spoken language. However, the question remains to understand whether advanced mathematical acquisition in schools, where knowledge is taught verbally, also dispenses with the human ability for language. Building on the expertise I have acquired in functional MRI testing of math experts, with the help of my supervisors, the present project proposes to track the evolution of children and adults' brain activity during learning. To this end, we will expose participants to typical classroom lessons with math-related content. Using fMRI, coupled with traditional general linear model and original inter-subject correlation analyses, we particularly aim to investigate whether (1) similar learning neural mechanisms are at work in adulthood and childhood; (2) language plays a role in mathematical acquisition; (3) understanding dropout correlates with a specific neural marker. A first experiment will aim to identify brain activation that changes with learning of math versus general semantic concepts in adults. It will be conducted in Italy, under the supervision of Pr. Piazza who is a leading expert in the field of math cognition, and mainly uses fMRI to study the plastic changes occurring in the brain during learning in particular of symbols (words, numbers, and math symbols). A second experiment will probe whether the neural patterns observed during adult learning of math laws also apply to children's learning of math laws such as commutativity. It will be conducted in the US, under the supervision of Pr. Spelke who is renowned for her work on the infants’ development especially of math “core knowledge”.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2018
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
38122 TRENTO
Italy
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.