Cognitive control in number processing: new evidence from task switching

Psychological Research, vol. 85, pp. 2578–2587

Abstract

Recently, it was demonstrated that even basic numerical cognition such as the processing of number magnitude is under cognitive control. However, evidence so far primarily came from adaptation effects to stimulus characteristics (e.g., relative frequency of specific stimulus categories). Expanding this approach, we evaluated a possible influence of more active exertion of cognitive control on basic number processing in task switching. Participants had to perform a magnitude comparison task while we manipulated the order of compatible and incompatible input-output modalities (i.e., auditory/vocal input-visual/manual output vs. auditory/visual input-manual/vocal output, respectively) on the trial level, differentiating repeat vs. switch trials. Results indicated that the numerical distance effect but not the problem size effect was increased after a switch in input-output modality compatibility. In sum, these findings substantiate that basic number processing is under cognitive control by providing first evidence that it is influenced by the active exertion of cognitive control as required in task switching.

Authors 4

1. Andreas Schliephake corresponding

   Leibniz-Institut für Wissensmedien

   Affiliation as printed

   Leibniz-Institut fuer Wissensmedien, Schleichstr. 6, 72076, Tübingen, Germany. a.schliephake@iwm-tuebingen.de

   Leibniz-Institut fuer Wissensmedien, Schleichstr. 6, 72076, Tübingen, Germany

2. Julia Bahnmueller

   Loughborough University

   Affiliation as printed

   Centre for Mathematical Cognition, Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, UK

3. Klaus Willmes Aachen Department of Neurology

   Universitätsklinikum Aachen · RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Neurology, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, 52062, Aachen, Germany

4. Korbinian Moeller

   Loughborough University · Leibniz-Institut für Wissensmedien · University of Tübingen

   Affiliation as printed

   Centre for Mathematical Cognition, Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, UK

   Department of Psychology and LEAD Graduate School & Research Network, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany

   Leibniz-Institut fuer Wissensmedien, Schleichstr. 6, 72076, Tübingen, Germany