Multiplication employs fact retrieval processes to a larger extent than addition and subtraction, though the regressive difference is slight¶

Claim · All claims
Evidence · 1 study · associational r2 · q3
Currency · newest study 2026 · not yet checked against its sources · not reviewed by a person

Subclaims¶

q3 i? Current results indicate that multiplication skill employs retrieval processes to a larger extent than addition and subtraction skills, but the authors state the difference is slight in the regressive power. → Rautiainen 2026

Evidence¶

Rautiainen 2026¶

Rautiainen, J., Aro, T., Aro, M., Tolvanen, A., & Koponen, T. (2026). Hierarchical Nature of Arithmetic Skills: Similarities and Differences Between Arithmetic Operations. Journal of Educational Psychology, Early online. https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0001066

q3 · i? · associational · r2

Authors' interpretation in the discussion of the four SEM models (n = 207), supporting both hypotheses that multiplication relies more on fact retrieval than subtraction and that partially distinct retrieval processes exist. The article states "the difference is slight in the regressive power" and that addition and subtraction had notably similar retrieval associations.

"Current results indicate that multiplication skill employs retrieval processes to larger extent than addition and subtraction skills do. However, in the present study, the difference is slight in the regressive power. Addition and subtraction had notably similar associations with retrieval processes,"

Discussion¶

Related Claims¶

• Adults use a mix of retrieval and procedural strategies in single-digit arithmetic, with retrieval more frequent in multiplication and procedures more frequent in subtraction — possibly the same claim (merge candidate)
• Adults with dyslexia are slower than controls on single-digit arithmetic, with a larger multiplication-minus-subtraction reaction-time difference, even after controlling digit identification speed — related