Multiplication by eye and by ear for Chinese-speaking and English-speaking adults.
English-speaking (n = 32) and Chinese-speaking adults (n = 32) solved single-digit multiplication problems. In one condition, problems were presented as visual digits (e.g., 8 x 9). In the other condition, problems were presented as auditory number words in the participant's first language (e.g., /eit/ /taimz/ /nain/). Chinese-speaking adults made proportionately more operand-intrusion errors (e.g., 4 x 8 = 24) than English-speaking adults. Both groups made more operand-intrusion errors with auditory than with visual presentation. These findings are similar to those found when participants solve problems presented as visual number words (e.g., eight x nine), suggesting that in both cases the activation of phonological codes interferes with processing.
Lefevre
J A
JA
Centre for Applied Cognitive Research, Department of Psychology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6. jq-anne_lefevre@carleton.ca
Lei
Q
Q
Smith-Chant
B L
BL
Mullins
D B
DB
D000328:Adult; D001288:Attention; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D008297:Male; D010364:Pattern Recognition, Visual; D011340:Problem Solving; D013067:Speech Perception