Older and younger adults' strategy choices in multiplication: Testing predictions of ASCM using the choice/no-choice method

The choice/no-choice method provides a means of obtaining unbiased estimates of the performance characteristics of strategies. The three experiments in the study illustrate the method's usefulness for testing predictions of alternative models of strategy choice. The experiments focused on 20- and 70-year-olds' choices among mental calculation, use of a calculator, and use of pencil and paper as strategies for solving multidigit multiplication problems. As predicted by the Adaptive Strategy Choice Model (ASCM), (a) differences in the speed and accuracy yielded by the strategies were the strongest predictors of the frequency with which each strategy was chosen on a given problem; (b) features of problems exerted an additional independent influence; and (c) having a choice resulted in better performance than not having one. These results held true for both older and younger adults. Potential extensions of the choice/no-choice method and of ASCM are discussed.