Cognitive control in number processing: new evidence from number compatibility effects in task-switching

Cognitive Processing, vol. 23, pp. 191–202

Abstract

A growing body of research suggests that basic numerical abilities such as number magnitude processing are influenced by cognitive control processes. So far, evidence for number processing being affected by cognitive control processes stems primarily from observed adaptations of numerical effects to stimulus set characteristics (e.g. order or ratio of specific stimulus types). Complementing previous research on adaptation to stimulus set characteristics as an index of influences of cognitive control, the present study employed a task-switching paradigm to examine how cognitive control processes influence number processing. Participants were presented with a two-digit number and had to either judge its parity or compare its magnitude to a standard depending on a preceding cue. We expected numerical congruency effects (i.e. the unit-decade compatibility effect for magnitude comparisons and the parity congruity effect for parity judgements) to be larger in switch trials, as persisting activation of the task set of the preceding trial should increase interference. In contrast to our expectations, both numerical congruity effects were reduced following task switches as compared to repetitions. This interaction of task-switching with numerical congruency effects suggests an influence of cognitive control on basic number processing in form of persisting inhibition of previously abandoned task sets, so that these exert less influence on current number processing demands.

Authors 5

1. Andreas Schliephake corresponding

   Leibniz-Institut für Wissensmedien

   Affiliation as printed

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

   Leibniz-Institut Für Wissensmedien, Schleichstraße 6, 72076, Tübingen, Germany

2. Julia Bahnmueller

   Loughborough University

   Affiliation as printed

   Centre for Mathematical Cognition, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK

3. Klaus Willmes Aachen Department of Neurology

   Universitätsklinikum Aachen · RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

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

4. Iring Koch Aachen Institute of Psychology

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Psychology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany

5. Korbinian Moeller

   Loughborough University · University of Tübingen

   Affiliation as printed

   Centre for Mathematical Cognition, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK

   Department of Psychology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany

   LEAD Graduate School and Research Network, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany