The presence of the reverse distance effect depends on the familiarity of the sequences being processed

• DOI: 10.1007/s00426-025-02090-8
• Publication Date: 2025-02-28T09:16:32Z
• Authors: Declan Devlin; Korbinian Moeller; Iro Xenidou-Dervou; Bert Reynvoet; Francesco Sella
• Keywords: Sequence (biology); Reverse engineering

Abstract Number order processing is thought to be characterised by a reverse distance effect whereby consecutive sequences (e.g., 1–2–3) are processed faster than non-consecutive 1–3–5). However, there accumulating evidence that the not consistently observed. In this context, present study investigated whether presence of depends on familiarity being processed. Supporting proposal, Experiment 1 found was only when presented were considerably more familiar sequences. Additionally, sequence 1–2–3 has been suggested play pivotal role in due both most and fastest sequence. it contested fast because or simply can typically verified as ordered from its first two digits. explanation, Experiments 2 3 characteristically regardless could Taken together, these findings suggest plays critical absence effect.