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Algorithmic solution of arithmetic problems and operands-answer associations in long-term memory.

C Thevenot·P Barrouillet·M Fayol
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Abstract

Many developmental models of arithmetic problem solving assume that any algorithmic solution of a given problem results in an association of the two operands and the answer in memory (Logan & Klapp, 1991; Siegler, 1996). In this experiment, adults had to perform either an operation or a comparison on the same pairs of two-digit numbers and then a recognition task. It is shown that unlike comparisons, the algorithmic solution of operations impairs the recognition of operands in adults. Thus, the postulate of a necessary and automatic storage of operands-answer associations in memory when young children solve additions by algorithmic strategies needs to be qualified.

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AlgorithmsHumansMathematicsMemoryProblem SolvingReaction TimeRecognition, PsychologyJournal Article

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C Thevenot, P Barrouillet, M Fayol. 2001. Algorithmic solution of arithmetic problems and operands-answer associations in long-term memory.. https://doi.org/10.1080/713755966

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