Are Arithmetic Networks Interdependent In Number-Matching Task?

Addition and multiplication facts are retrieved from a network-like structure, as shown by data from number-matching tasks. Even if several evidences (e.g., cross-operation confusion effect) suggest that these networks are interrelated, the interdependency between addition and multiplication networks could be influenced by the type of task used (e.g., verification task). The present study aimed to investigate whether the addition and multiplication networks were interdependent or separate using a number-matching task. Eighty participants were divided in four groups. The Groups A (x, x, x) and B (+, +, +) performed the task in which only one arithmetic interference effect was implemented through three sessions (pure condition). The Groups C (x, x, +) and D (+, +, x) performed the same task in which the same arithmetic interference effect appeared in the first and second sessions, while a different arithmetic problem was presented in the last session (mixed condition). In the last session, the interference effect in the mixed condition was higher than that in the pure condition. The results argued more for an independency of addition and multiplication networks than for their interdependency.