The Effects of Operator Position and Superfluous Brackets on Student Performance in Simple Arithmetic
Saved in:
| Title: | The Effects of Operator Position and Superfluous Brackets on Student Performance in Simple Arithmetic |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Ngo, Vy, Perez Lacera, Luisa, Closser, Avery Harrison, Ottmar, Erin |
| Source: | Journal of Numerical Cognition. 2023 9(1):107-128. |
| Availability: | Leibniz Institute for Psychology. Universitatsring 15, Trier, 54296, Germany. e-mail: support@psychopen.eu; Web site: https://jnc.psychopen.eu |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 22 |
| Publication Date: | 2023 |
| Sponsoring Agency: | National Science Foundation (NSF) |
| Contract Number: | 1724889 1931523 1645629 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Elementary Education Grade 5 Intermediate Grades Middle Schools |
| Descriptors: | Mathematics Skills, Arithmetic, Symbols (Mathematics), Computation, Cognitive Processes, Problem Solving, Accuracy, Homework, Educational Technology, Assignments, Mastery Learning, Reaction Time, Elementary School Students, Grade 5, Algebra, Perceptual Development |
| ISSN: | 2363-8761 |
| Abstract: | For students to advance beyond arithmetic, they must learn how to attend to the structure of math notation. This process can be challenging due to students' left-to-right computing tendencies. Brackets are used in mathematics to indicate precedence but can also be used as superfluous cues and perceptual grouping mechanisms in instructional materials to direct students' attention and facilitate accurate and efficient problem solving. This online study examines the impact of operator position and superfluous brackets on students' performance solving arithmetic problems. A total of 528 students completed a baseline assessment of math knowledge, then were randomly assigned to one of six conditions that varied in the placement of higher-order operator and the presence or absence of superfluous brackets: [a] brackets-left (e.g., (5 * 4) + 2 + 3), [b] no brackets-left (e.g., 5 * 4 + 2 + 3), [c] brackets-center (e.g., 2 + (5 * 4) + 3), [d] no brackets-center (e.g., 2 + 5 * 4 + 3), [e] brackets-right (e.g., 2 + 3 + (5 * 4)), and [f] no brackets-right (e.g., 2 + 3 + 5 * 4). Participants simplified expressions in an online learning platform with the goal to "master" the content by answering three questions correctly in a row. Results showed that, on average, students were more accurate in problem solving when the higher-order operator was on the left side and less accurate when it was on the right compared to in the center. There was also a main effect of the presence of brackets on mastery speed. However, interaction effects showed that these main effects were driven by the center position: superfluous brackets only improved accuracy when students solved expressions with brackets with the operator in the center. This study advances research on perceptual learning in math by revealing how operator position and presence of superfluous brackets impact students' performance. Additionally, this research provides implications for instructors who can use perceptual cues to support students during problem solving. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2023 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1386923 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | For students to advance beyond arithmetic, they must learn how to attend to the structure of math notation. This process can be challenging due to students' left-to-right computing tendencies. Brackets are used in mathematics to indicate precedence but can also be used as superfluous cues and perceptual grouping mechanisms in instructional materials to direct students' attention and facilitate accurate and efficient problem solving. This online study examines the impact of operator position and superfluous brackets on students' performance solving arithmetic problems. A total of 528 students completed a baseline assessment of math knowledge, then were randomly assigned to one of six conditions that varied in the placement of higher-order operator and the presence or absence of superfluous brackets: [a] brackets-left (e.g., (5 * 4) + 2 + 3), [b] no brackets-left (e.g., 5 * 4 + 2 + 3), [c] brackets-center (e.g., 2 + (5 * 4) + 3), [d] no brackets-center (e.g., 2 + 5 * 4 + 3), [e] brackets-right (e.g., 2 + 3 + (5 * 4)), and [f] no brackets-right (e.g., 2 + 3 + 5 * 4). Participants simplified expressions in an online learning platform with the goal to "master" the content by answering three questions correctly in a row. Results showed that, on average, students were more accurate in problem solving when the higher-order operator was on the left side and less accurate when it was on the right compared to in the center. There was also a main effect of the presence of brackets on mastery speed. However, interaction effects showed that these main effects were driven by the center position: superfluous brackets only improved accuracy when students solved expressions with brackets with the operator in the center. This study advances research on perceptual learning in math by revealing how operator position and presence of superfluous brackets impact students' performance. Additionally, this research provides implications for instructors who can use perceptual cues to support students during problem solving. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2363-8761 |
