The theoretical accounts and developmental predictors of operational momentum effect

Abstract: Investigating how operational momentum effect is formed and moderated by developmental factors is critical in understanding the underlying mechanism of arithmetic computation. Early arithmetic is fundamental to acquisition of complex mathematical concepts and advanced arithmetic operations. When performing arithmetic operations, individuals tend to overestimate outcomes in addition and underestimate outcomes in subtraction, such estimation bias is called operational momentum (OM) effect, which includes three main theoretical accounts (i.e., attentional shift account, heuristic account, compression account). Though many studies using various experimental designs have demonstrated the OM effect in adults, it remained puzzled in development as findings in children have shown inconsistent findings. The present review discussed the trajectories and influencing factors of OM effect in early development. Future directions in the developmental field should investigate: 1) the developmental trajectory of OM through integrating multiple paradigms; 2) the role of Approximate Number System plays in the onset and development of OM; 3) generalizability of OM in complex arithmetic or even algebraic operations; 4) the joint effect of various factors (e.g., mathematical abilities and spatial attention) on OM; and 5) intervention for operational bias.