Interference during the retrieval of arithmetic and lexico-semantic knowledge modulates similar brain regions: Evidence from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Alexander E Heidekum,Roland H Grabner,Bert De Smedt,Alice De Visscher,Stephan E Vogel

doi:10.1016/j.cortex.2019.06.007

Abstract

Single-digit multiplications are mainly solved by memory retrieval. However, these problems are also prone to errors due to systematic interference (i.e., co-activation of interconnected but incorrect solutions). Semantic control processes are crucial to overcome this type of interference and to retrieve the correct information. Previous research suggests the importance of several brain regions such as the left inferior frontal cortex and the intraparietal sulcus (IPS) for semantic control. But, this evidence is mainly based on tasks measuring interference during the processing of lexico-semantic information (e.g., pictures or words). Here, we investigated whether semantic control during arithmetic problem solving (i.e., multiplication fact retrieval) draws upon similar or different brain mechanisms as in other semantic domains (i.e., lexico-semantic).The brain activity of 46 students was measured with fMRI while participants performed an operand-related-lure (OR) and a picture-word (PW) task. In the OR task participants had to verify the correctness of a given solution to a single-digit multiplication. Similarly, in the PW task, participants had to judge whether a presented word matches the concept displayed in a picture or not.Analyses showed that resolving interference in these two tasks modulates the activation of a widespread fronto-parietal network (e.g., left/right IFG, left insula lobe, left IPS). Importantly, conjunction analysis revealed a neural overlap in the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) pars triangularis and left IPS. Additional Bayesian analyses showed that regions that are thought to store lexico-semantic information (e.g., left middle temporal gyrus) did not show evidence for an arithmetic interference effect. Overall, our findings not only indicate that semantic control plays an important role in arithmetic problem solving but also that it is supported by common brain regions across semantic domains. Additionally, by conducting Bayesian analysis we confirmed the hypothesis that the semantic control network contributes differently to semantic tasks of various domains.

Highlights

Solving arithmetic problems swiftly and efficiently is a key cognitive competence in our daily life (Parsons & Bynner, 2005; Vogel & Grabner, 2015)
The present study provides evidence for the involvement of brain regions associated with semantic control processes during arithmetic fact retrieval
These semantic control processes are underpinned by a widespread fronto-parietal brain network that has been shown to be involved in resolving interference during the retrieval of lexico-semantic information

Summary

Introduction

Solving arithmetic problems swiftly and efficiently is a key cognitive competence in our daily life (Parsons & Bynner, 2005; Vogel & Grabner, 2015). There is wide consensus that arithmetic facts are stored in an associative network in semantic memory, in which problems and their corresponding solutions are connected to each other (e.g., Ashcraft, 1987; Campbell, 1995; Lemaire & Siegler, 1995; McCloskey & Lindemann, 1992; Verguts & Fias, 2005) Within this associative network, the presentation of a particular problem (e.g., 6 × 8) leads to the activation of its correct answer (i.e., 48), and to a co-activation of incorrect solutions (e.g., 40, 56, 42, 54) related to associated problems (e.g., 5 × 8, 7 × 8, 6 × 7, 6 × 9). This co-activation of interconnected (incorrect) solutions causes interference that needs to be overcome by means of semantic control mechanisms in order to retrieve the correct answer

Results

Discussion

Conclusion