Abstract
The goals of this study were to assess the primary effects of the use of cognitive strategy and a combined measure of numeric ability on recall of every-day numeric information (i.e. prices). Additionally, numeric ability was assessed as a moderator in the relationship between strategy use and memory for prices. One hundred participants memorized twelve prices that varied from 1 to 6 digits; they recalled these immediately and after 7 days. The use of strategies, assessed through self-report, was associated with better overall recall, but not forgetting. Numeric ability was not associated with either better overall recall or forgetting. A small moderating interaction was found, in which higher levels of numeric ability enhanced the beneficial effects of strategy use on overall recall. Exploratory analyses found two further small moderating interactions: simple strategy use enhanced overall recall at higher levels of numeric ability, compared to complex strategy use; and complex strategy use was associated with lower levels of forgetting, but only at higher levels of numeric ability, compared to the simple strategy use. These results provide support for an objective measure of numeric ability, as well as adding to the literature on memory and the benefits of cognitive strategy use.
Highlights
Encoding and retrieving numbers from memory is an important capability in a technologically driven society
The goals of this study were to assess the primary effects of the use of cognitive strategy, and a combined measure of numeric ability on recall of every-day numeric information
We examined whether numeric ability would moderate the relationship between strategy use and memory for prices
Summary
Encoding and retrieving numbers from memory is an important capability in a technologically driven society. Examples of to-beremembered number strings include computer passwords and unique personal identifiers such as personal identification and social security numbers. Memorizing and recalling information exactly, such as security numbers, can tax cognitive resources and requires substantial effort [1,2]. Several factors including an individual’s facility and expertise with numbers enhance how numerical information is learned and subsequently retrieved [3,4]. Research has consistently found that using cognitive strategies improves immediate and long-term recall [5,6]. Exploring how individuals engage in memorizing every-day number information will assist with understanding, at a fundamental level, how strategies and numeric abilities enhance number-learning outcomes as separate and interactive processes
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