When meaningful components interrupt the processing of the whole: The case of fractions

Numerical fractions are composed of a numerator and a denominator that are natural numbers. These components influence processing of the fraction. This study was conducted to test whether eliminating the fractional components would result in the processing of fractions as unique numerical entities. Participants that learned to relate fractional values to arbitrary figures in a training task showed automatic processing of the numerical values of the new figures. The processing of fractions written in regular form improved following training, but did not show automatic processing. The results suggest that eliminating the influence of the fractional components allowed individual fractions to be represented in long-term memory.

► The fractional components (numerator and denominator) influence processing. ► When mapped to arbitrary figures, automatic processing of fractions was found. ► Distinctive fractions can be represented in long-term memory. ► Meaningful components interrupt with the automatic processing of complex entities.