Arithmetic split effects reflect strategy selection: an adult age comparative study in addition comparison and...

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• Split effects in arithmetic, where performance differs based on the numerical distance between the correct answer and a proposed number, are not fully understood.
• It remains unclear whether these effects stem from decision-making processes or the selection of specific arithmetic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether "split effects" in arithmetic tasks are driven by decision processing or strategy selection mechanisms.
• To compare these effects across younger and older adults, controlling for overall arithmetic skill levels.

Main Methods:

• Participants (younger and older adults matched on arithmetic skills) completed two tasks: an addition/number comparison task and an inequality verification task.
• The "split" between the addition result and the proposed number, as well as the difficulty of the arithmetic problems, were manipulated.
• Response latencies were analyzed to assess performance differences.

Main Results:

• Split effects were significantly smaller in older adults compared to younger adults across both tasks.
• Split effects were also less pronounced for easier arithmetic problems.
• Older adults with high arithmetic skills demonstrated well-maintained calculation processes.

Conclusions:

• Findings suggest that split effects in arithmetic are influenced by strategy selection, with age-related differences observed.
• The results indicate that cognitive aging impacts arithmetic strategy use, but core calculation abilities can be preserved.
• This research contributes to understanding cognitive aging and the flexibility of strategy selection in mathematical cognition.