The role of working memory storage components in exact and approximate arithmetic processing under dual-task conditions.

Four dual-task experiments were conducted to investigate the role of the verbal and visuospatial short-term storage components of working memory in exact and approximate arithmetic processing. In Experiment 1, adults were asked to complete exact and approximate arithmetic tasks, with and without verbal and visuospatial storage interference. In Experiment 2, the verbal storage interference materials changed from all letters to consonant letters. In Experiment 3, the difficulty levels of the two arithmetic tasks were balanced. Finally, Experiment 4 introduced central executive interference alongside storage interference to provide a comprehensive analysis of working memory resources involved in arithmetic processing. Results indicated that verbal and visuospatial storage loads significantly impaired exact-but not approximate-arithmetic performance, whereas central executive interference disrupted both types of arithmetic tasks. These findings suggest that exact arithmetic relies more heavily on the temporary storage of verbal and visuospatial information than approximate arithmetic and that both forms of arithmetic depend on central executive resources. The study highlights distinct working memory mechanisms underlying exact and approximate arithmetic. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).