Publication Date
Summer 2012
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Psychology
Advisor
Robert G. Cooper
Keywords
bilingualism, mental arithmetic
Subject Areas
Psychology
Abstract
Mental arithmetic performance was investigated among three language groups (English monolinguals, Chinese-English bilinguals, and Spanish-English bilinguals). Participants solved both small and large numerosity arithmetic problems in addition and multiplication and reported their solution strategies. All groups performed better in small problems than in large ones and better in addition than in multiplication, especially for a large size set. The results revealed all three groups performed equally well in solving problems correctly. Spanish-English bilinguals were equivalent to their English monolingual peers. However, Chinese-English bilinguals outperformed the other two groups in solution speed, especially when problems consisted of large numbers. No group differences were found in the frequency of using retrieval strategies to solve problems. Linguistic influence and other possible factors were discussed to explain the mental arithmetic advantage for Chinese-English bilinguals relative to other groups.
Recommended Citation
Luo, Tianyu, "Mental Arithmetic across Three Language Groups" (2012). Master's Theses. 4200.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31979/etd.8zww-yde3
https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/etd_theses/4200
