Automaticity in subtractions depends on problem-size

Authors: Estudillo, A.J., Romero, E.B., Casado, N., Das, J.P. and Garcia-Orza, J.

Journal: Anales de Psicologia

Volume: 31

Issue: 2

Pages: 697-704

eISSN: 1695-2294

ISSN: 0212-9728

DOI: 10.6018/analesps.31.2.173621

Abstract:

The evidence showing that simple multiplications and additions can be solved by direct retrieval is considerable. However evidence about division and subtraction is less compelling. By using a ―cross-operation interference paradigm‖ the present research explores whether subtraction problems can be retrieved without intention and the role of operands‘problem-size in this process. Sixty-two participants decided whether the displayed addition was correct or not. In ―false additions problems‖ the answer could be the result of the subtractions of the addends (e.g.,7+4=3) or an unrelated number (e.g.,7+4=5). Results showed an interference effect, that is, more errors and slower response times in subtraction related problems than in unrelated problems. More importantly, this effect was re-stricted to small problems (7+4=3 vs. 7+4=5), whereas no differences were found for large problems (14+8=6 vs.14+8=7). These results suggest that small subtractions can be retrieved directly as multiplications, questioning a traditional dissociation between operations. We argue that, depending on individual experience, the same representation and pro-cesses can be involved in solving additions, subtractions and multiplications.

Source: Scopus