Repetition priming in simple addition depends on surface form and typicality

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Numerical Cognition
• Memory Studies

Background:

• Repetition priming and recognition memory are key aspects of cognitive processing.
• Understanding how different numerical representations influence these processes is crucial for cognitive models.
• Previous research has explored format effects, but nuanced interactions require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of numerical notation (number words, dot configurations, Arabic digits) on repetition priming and recognition memory.
• To examine how task demands and input typicality influence memory performance across different formats.
• To test the hypothesis that surface form influences repetition priming based on input typicality for a given task.

Main Methods:

• Four experiments were conducted using single-digit addition tasks.
• Methods included measuring reaction times for repetition priming and assessing recognition memory.
• Stimuli were presented in three notations: number words, dot configurations, and Arabic digits.

Main Results:

• When numbers were presented as words or dots, matching notation during preexposure yielded greater priming than mismatched Arabic digits.
• For Arabic digits, priming was consistent across all tested notations (Arabic, word, dot).
• Priming was strongest when the task during preexposure (addition/multiplication) matched the task during repetition (addition). Recognition memory showed similar format-dependent effects.

Conclusions:

• The surface form of numerical input significantly influences repetition priming and recognition memory.
• Memory benefits are observed when notation matches across repetitions, particularly for non-Arabic digit formats.
• Findings support the role of input typicality in determining the impact of surface form on cognitive tasks.