AN EVALUATION OF EVIDENCE SUPPORTING FACT-RETRIEVAL MODELS

This literature review compares fact-retrieval models with a schema-ba sed view, which proposes that relational knowledge is a critical compo nent in learning and representing basic number facts such as 8 x 3 = 2 4. It then critically analyzes evidence adduced to support fact-retrie val models and points out plausible alternative explanations for these results. For example, data collected on mental-arithmetic errors freq uently confound retrieved responses with nonretrieved responses. Thus, factor-related errors (e.g., 8 x 3 = 21) and close-miss errors (e.g., 8 x 3 = 23) may, at least in part, be the by-product of fast back-up strategies and may not accurately reflect the mental representation of number facts. Moreover, contrary to Siegler's (1988) fact-retrieval m odel and consistent with the schema-based view, such errors may increa se on unpracticed combinations. The article concludes with recommendat ions for more clearly determining how the basic number facts are learn ed and represented.