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The Role of Working Memory Storage Components in Exact and Approximate Arithmetic Processing under Dual-Task Conditions

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Title: The Role of Working Memory Storage Components in Exact and Approximate Arithmetic Processing under Dual-Task Conditions
Language: English
Authors: Wei Wei (ORCID 0000-0003-0481-7328), Tingyan Zhang
Source: Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition. 2026 52(7):1094-1107.
Availability: American Psychological Association. Journals Department, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002. Tel: 800-374-2721; Tel: 202-336-5510; Fax: 202-336-5502; e-mail: order@apa.org; Web site: http://www.apa.org
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 14
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Short Term Memory, Arithmetic, College Students, Cognitive Processes, Difficulty Level, Interference (Learning), Executive Function
DOI: 10.1037/xlm0001528
ISSN: 0278-7393
1939-1285
Abstract: Four dual-task experiments were conducted to investigate the role of the verbal and visuospatial short-term storage components of working memory in exact and approximate arithmetic processing. In Experiment 1, adults were asked to complete exact and approximate arithmetic tasks, with and without verbal and visuospatial storage interference. In Experiment 2, the verbal storage interference materials changed from all letters to consonant letters. In Experiment 3, the difficulty levels of the two arithmetic tasks were balanced. Finally, Experiment 4 introduced central executive interference alongside storage interference to provide a comprehensive analysis of working memory resources involved in arithmetic processing. Results indicated that verbal and visuospatial storage loads significantly impaired exact--but not approximate--arithmetic performance, whereas central executive interference disrupted both types of arithmetic tasks. These findings suggest that exact arithmetic relies more heavily on the temporary storage of verbal and visuospatial information than approximate arithmetic and that both forms of arithmetic depend on central executive resources. The study highlights distinct working memory mechanisms underlying exact and approximate arithmetic.
Abstractor: As Provided
Notes: https://osf.io/6p4ex
Entry Date: 20260101
Accession Number: EJ1512960
Database: ERIC
FullText Text:
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  Data: The Role of Working Memory Storage Components in Exact and Approximate Arithmetic Processing under Dual-Task Conditions
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Wei+Wei%22">Wei Wei</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0481-7328">0000-0003-0481-7328</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Tingyan+Zhang%22">Tingyan Zhang</searchLink>
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  Data: American Psychological Association. Journals Department, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002. Tel: 800-374-2721; Tel: 202-336-5510; Fax: 202-336-5502; e-mail: order@apa.org; Web site: http://www.apa.org
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  Data: 14
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  Data: Journal Articles<br />Reports - Research
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  Data: 10.1037/xlm0001528
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  Data: 0278-7393<br />1939-1285
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  Data: Four dual-task experiments were conducted to investigate the role of the verbal and visuospatial short-term storage components of working memory in exact and approximate arithmetic processing. In Experiment 1, adults were asked to complete exact and approximate arithmetic tasks, with and without verbal and visuospatial storage interference. In Experiment 2, the verbal storage interference materials changed from all letters to consonant letters. In Experiment 3, the difficulty levels of the two arithmetic tasks were balanced. Finally, Experiment 4 introduced central executive interference alongside storage interference to provide a comprehensive analysis of working memory resources involved in arithmetic processing. Results indicated that verbal and visuospatial storage loads significantly impaired exact--but not approximate--arithmetic performance, whereas central executive interference disrupted both types of arithmetic tasks. These findings suggest that exact arithmetic relies more heavily on the temporary storage of verbal and visuospatial information than approximate arithmetic and that both forms of arithmetic depend on central executive resources. The study highlights distinct working memory mechanisms underlying exact and approximate arithmetic.
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  Data: https://osf.io/6p4ex
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      – Text: English
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        PageCount: 14
        StartPage: 1094
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Short Term Memory
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Arithmetic
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      – SubjectFull: College Students
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Cognitive Processes
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      – SubjectFull: Difficulty Level
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      – SubjectFull: Interference (Learning)
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      – SubjectFull: Executive Function
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            NameFull: Wei Wei
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            NameFull: Tingyan Zhang
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