More on the relation between division and multiplication in simple arithmetic: Evidence for mediation of division solutions via multiplication

Adults (N = 32) solved simple multiplication (e.g., 8 x 7) and correspondin g division problems (e.g., 56 / 8). Self-reports of solution processes were given by half of the participants. Latency patterns and error rates were c losely related across operations and were similar in self-report and no-rep ort conditions. Solution of division problems, however, facilitated solutio n of multiplication problems more than the reverse. On large division probl ems, participants reported that they "recast" problems as multiplication (e .g., 56/8 as 8 x ? = 56). These results support the hypothesis that multipl ication and division are stored in separate mental representations but that solution of difficult division problems some times involves access to mult iplication.