Multiplication by eye and by ear for Chinese-speaking and English-speaking adults.

Abstract

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.