Which digit is larger? Brain responses to number and size interactions in a numerical Stroop task

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

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Author(s)

  • Mauro Nascimben
  • Ya-Yi Wang
  • Dong-Yang Fong
  • Chih-Mao Huang

Detail(s)

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere13744
Journal / PublicationPsychophysiology
Volume58
Issue number3
Online published13 Dec 2020
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2021

Abstract

When comparing digits of different physical sizes, the processing of numerical value interacts with the processing of physical size. Given the universal use of Arabic numbers in mathematics and daily life, this study aims to elucidate the cognitive processes involved in the interactions of task-relevant and task-irrelevant features during information processing. We investigated this question by examining event-related potential (ERP) using a modified version of the size congruity comparison, which is a Stroop-like task. Numerical value and physical size were varied independently under task-relevant and task-irrelevant conditions. To better examine how the task-irrelevant features modulated the processing of the task-relevant attributes, a neutral condition was included in both tasks. For the physical task, congruent trials showed a less negative N200 response than neutral trials (indicating a facilitation effect), and incongruent trials elicited a larger N450 and smaller late positive complex (LPC) response than neutral trials (indicating an interference effect). For the numerical task, congruent trials showed a larger LPC response than neutral trials (indicating a facilitation effect). These ERP findings indicate that the sources of the facilitation and interference effects appear in different cognitive processes for each task. We further suggest that language characteristics may be a factor in the superior numerical processing exhibited in this study.

Research Area(s)

  • ERP, facilitation, interference, LPC, N200, N450, numerical Stroop

Citation Format(s)

Which digit is larger? Brain responses to number and size interactions in a numerical Stroop task. / Huang, Hsu‐Wen; Nascimben, Mauro; Wang, Ya-Yi et al.
In: Psychophysiology, Vol. 58, No. 3, e13744, 03.2021.

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review