The role of working memory and the language effect for the bilingual-Chinese in complex mental multiplication

The purpose of the present study was to examine whether the role of working memory in complex multiplication for the Chinese differs when responding in first and second language. Participants solved multiplication problems (13 x 6) in two languages under working memory loads. The results showed that participants were faster and more accurate when responding in Chinese than in English. Furthermore, they were more likely to rely on phonological working memory for horizontally presented problems, and visual working memory for vertically presented problems. The results will be discussed in relation to current models of numerical representations and working memory.

Publication year:2012