The effect of inverting decades and units on the retention of two-digit numbers in working memory: a matter of the output mode

Maisam Hayek, Avi Karni, Zohar Eviatar

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Number-word structure affects transcoding and relates to working memory capacity (WMc). We tested the relationship between the structure of number-words (inverted "Units-Decades (UD) format" or not "Decades-Units (DU) format") and performance on the digit span task for recalling two-digit number-words presented verbally, using two modes of output. University students, native speakers of Arabic, who were also highly proficient in Hebrew, and native speakers of Hebrew, were asked to response by typing Arabic digits or recalling numbers verbally. Arabic and Hebrew speakers were equal in WMc for one-digit numbers in the two modes. However, when inversion was presented, performance was related to output and participants habits. In the typing response, both groups showed better performance for the DU format. In the native language (standard format), Arabic speakers (UD) remembered fewer numbers than Hebrew speakers (DU). Arabic speakers show inversion errors even in the noninverted format. For verbal responses, there were no differences between the groups in their standard format, and native speakers of Arabic weren't affected by the format, while Hebrew speakers still preferred the DU format. Experience with inverted and noninverted language affected WMc but is also related to the output demands.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2
Number of pages1
JournalPsychological Research
Volume89
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 11 Nov 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024. The Author(s).

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)

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