Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2015

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Rosselli, Monica

Abstract

It has been widely hypothesized that while doing arithmetic, individuals use two distinct routes for phonological output. A direct route is used for exact arithmetic which is language dependent, while an indirect route is used during arithmetic approximation and thought to be language independent. The arithmetic double route has been incorporated on the triple- code model that consists of visual arabic code for identifying strings of digits, magnitude code for knowledge in numeral quantities, and verbal code for rote arithmetic fact. Our goal is to investigate whether language experience has an effect on the processing of exact/approximation math using bilingual participants who have access to two languages, using a theoretical arithmetic processing model, which has been validated across many studies. We have measured the two groups (monolinguals/bilinguals) processing speed for completing the two tasks (Exact/Approximation) in two codes (Arabic digit/Verbal). We hypothesized a faster reaction time in exact arithmetic task in compared to approximation in accordance with the triple-code model. We alsoexpected a main effect for the task (Exact vs.Approximation) independent of the input code when the stimulus was presented in either Arabic digit and/or verbal codes. Our results show exact arithmetic is faster than approximation of arithmetic facts in all codes supporting earlier theories. Also, there was no significant difference in processing speed between monolinguals and bilinguals when performing the arithmetic task in either Arabic and/or verbal codes. In addition, our investigation suggests a modification to the triple-code model when interpreting arithmetic facts in verbal code due to interference of two languages with bilingual participants. Additions to the model can be suggested when the stimulus is expressed in verbal code for visual identification, which may cause interference in bilinguals leading to a first language advantage due to language experience.

Extent

55 p.

Comments

Includes bibliography.|Thesis (M.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2015.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Includes bibliography.

Identifier

FA00004394

Format

pdf

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