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Related Experiment Videos

Elementary subtraction.

Donald J Seyler1, Elizabeth P Kirk, Mark H Ashcraft

  • 1Department of Psychology, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA.

Journal of Experimental Psychology. Learning, Memory, and Cognition
|November 19, 2003
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Subtraction fact retrieval shows a distinct pattern. Larger subtraction facts rely more on working memory (WM), impacting performance, especially for those with lower WM capacity.

Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Educational Psychology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Basic arithmetic fact retrieval is foundational for mathematical development.
  • Previous models suggest various strategies for solving subtraction problems.
  • The role of working memory (WM) in elementary arithmetic is not fully elucidated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate performance patterns on basic subtraction facts.
  • To examine the relationship between subtraction problem size and cognitive load.
  • To determine the extent to which working memory (WM) supports elementary subtraction.

Main Methods:

  • Four experiments assessed reaction times and errors on 100 basic subtraction facts.
  • Experiment 3 analyzed participants' retrospective reports of nonretrieval.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Experiment 4 employed a dual-task paradigm to measure working memory (WM) load during subtraction.

    • Main Results:

    • A "stair step" function emerged for reaction times and errors, particularly for larger subtraction facts (11 - n).
    • Retrospective reports mirrored this pattern, indicating increased nonretrieval for larger facts.
    • Increased reliance on reconstructive processing for larger facts correlated with greater WM disruption, especially in individuals with lower WM spans.

    Conclusions:

    • Findings support the Siegler and Jenkins (1989) distribution of associations model for subtraction.
    • The size of basic subtraction facts significantly influences the cognitive processes and working memory (WM) demands.
    • Differentiating specific solution processes in subtraction remains a complex challenge.