Response Times in Adding and Multiplying Single-Digit Numbers

Abstract

2 experiments were conducted to test certain hypotheses concerning processes involved in mental addition and multiplication. Ss were required to make simultaneous manual and vocal responses to a series of simple arithmetic problems consisting of two single-digit numbers. The effects of practice, individual differences, and sex differences on response times were examined. In general, results indicated that Ss employ a variety of techniques in performing mental computations, depending on the type of arithmetic operation, amount of practice, and individual differences in computational ability. Results did not permit a clear choice among the random-access retrieval, analog-incrementing, and complete analog models. Both random and sequential (or hierarchical) access processes seem to be involved in performing mental arithmetic.