Abstract

In this study, we examined whether unit characteristics and cognitive context facilitate numerical information processing. In Exp. 1, participants performed a comparison task in which a pair of numerical values (number + unit) were presented. The participants chose the stimulus with the bigger (or smaller) value. Three different units including familiar (currency, length) and unfamiliar (atmospheric pressure) units were used. More efficient performance was observed with familiar units. In Exp. 2, we examined whether picture-induced contextual priming influences the comparison of monetary values or length. Different types of pictures (money, nature, city) were presented to provide cognitive contexts. Contrary to our hypothesis that money pictures will selectively facilitate monetary value comparison, money pictures interfered with both kinds of comparisons. This result may suggest that money pictures can cause negative thoughts and emotions related to economical stress, thereby causing reduction of efficiency in cognitive performance. The present study suggests that numerical information processing can be influenced by the characteristic of units or cognitive context. The present study along with future works will contribute to the discovery of knowledge about optimal ways to present quantitative information (involving units) so that readers or consumers will better process its meaning.