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Related Experiment Videos

Effects of regular switching between languages during random number generation.

Hans Strenge1, Jessica Böhm

  • 1Institute of Medical Psychology, University of Kiel, Germany. strenge@med-psych.uni-kiel.de

Perceptual and Motor Skills
|June 25, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Generating random numbers involves language processing. Switching between German (L1) and English (L2) during number generation increased errors but improved sequence randomness, suggesting a link to auditory-phonological representation.

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Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Psycholinguistics
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Random number generation (RNG) is a complex cognitive task.
  • It engages working memory and executive functions related to number representation.
  • The influence of language on numerical cognition is an area of ongoing research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of language in number processing during RNG.
  • To examine how switching between native (L1) and second (L2) languages affects RNG performance.
  • To determine whether RNG relies more on auditory-phonological or visual-orthographic representations of numbers.

Main Methods:

  • Participants performed random number generation (numbers 1-9) in their native German (L1) and second English (L2).

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  • Language switching (alternating L1/L2) and non-switching conditions were employed.
  • Performance metrics included response accuracy, omission rates, sequence stereotypy (repetition avoidance, cycling behavior), and language sequence errors.

    • Main Results:

    • Performance in L1 and L2 showed significant correspondence.
    • Alternating languages during RNG led to more omitted responses and less stereotyped sequences (reduced repetition avoidance and cycling).
    • Intentional language switches resulted in language sequence errors in 23% of responses, with a notable persistence of L2.

    Conclusions:

    • Random number generation appears more closely associated with auditory-phonological numeral representations than visual-Arabic notation.
    • Language switching during RNG impacts response patterns, suggesting language modality influences cognitive processes.
    • The findings highlight the interplay between bilingualism, executive functions, and numerical cognition.