Facts, rules, and strategies in single-digit multiplication: evidence from event-related brain potentials

Abstract

It has been hypothesized that zero vs. nonzero operands in single-digit multiplication problems invoke distinct solution strategies. We studied such problems in an implicit production task with event-related brain potentials (ERPs) recorded from 61 scalp positions in 18 participants. The topography of a slow negative wave, which accompanied the implicit production of the multiplication result, varied with problem type. In comparison to small problems, larger problems evoked a stronger negativity over fronto-central and right temporal sites, and zero problems evoked a left anterior negativity. These topographic differences indicate not only that zero and small nonzero problems are solved by means of distinct strategies—most likely rule application vs. fact retrieval—but also that larger, less practiced problems invoke other processes than pure fact retrieval. Moreover, ERPs showed a positive deflection around 450 ms with a centro-parietal topography (P300), whose amplitude reflected differences in anticipated problem difficulty.