title: How do incorrect results change the processing of arithmetic information? Evidence from a divided visual field experiment.
abstract: Despite several recent important developments in understanding numerical processing of both isolated numbers and numbers in the context of arithmetic equations, the relative impact of congruency on high-level compared to low-level processing remains unclear. The current study investigated hemispheric differences in the processing of arithmetic material, as a function of semantic and perceptual congruency, using a delayed answer verification task and divided visual field paradigm. A total of 37 participants (22 females and 15 males, mean age 30.06, SD 9.78) were presented unilaterally or bilaterally with equation results that were either correct or incorrect and had a consistent or inconsistent numerical notation. Statistical analyses showed no visual field differences in a notation consistency task, whereas when judgements had to be made on mathematical accuracy there was a right visual field advantage for incorrect equations that were notation consistent. These results reveal a clear differential processing of arithmetic information by the two cerebral hemispheres with a special emphasis on erroneous calculations. Faced with incorrect results and with a consistent numerical notation, the left hemisphere outperforms its right counterpart in making mathematical accuracy decisions.
authors.affiliation: a Psychology Division , Nottingham Trent University , UK.
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Castro
authors.forename: Alex
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sumich
authors.forename: Preethi
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Premkumar
authors.forename: Gary
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Jones
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D007600:Judgment; D008297:Male; D008433:Mathematics; D008875:Middle Aged; D011930:Reaction Time; D014794:Visual Fields; D055815:Young Adult