An information processing analysis of mental multiplication

The specific model of central or conscious processing system (CPS) is presented. It consists of two part: (1) a number of information carrying registers, and (2) a functional unit controlling the processes performed on the contents of the registers. The capacity limit is explained as a combination of storage capacity and processing capacity. The capacity limit was estimated by an experiment using mental multiplication performed according to a particular algorithm. The results suggested that the capacity was around eight to nine registers when the algorithm was strictly followed; this limit could, however, be exceeded because some problems automatically were coded and remembered by rules rather then by rehearsal. The results further suggested that information processing, i.e. the multiplication, had to take place on a time-sharing basis in competition with rehearsal, thus suggesting the existence of higher-order control system.