Linear Mapping of Numbers onto Space Requires Attention
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| Title: | Linear Mapping of Numbers onto Space Requires Attention |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Anobile, Giovanni, Cicchini, Guido Marco, Burr, David C. |
| Source: | Cognition. Mar 2012 122(3):454-459. |
| Availability: | Elsevier. 6277 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, FL 32887-4800. Tel: 877-839-7126; Tel: 407-345-4020; Fax: 407-363-1354; e-mail: usjcs@elsevier.com; Web site: http://www.elsevier.com |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Physical Description: | |
| Page Count: | 6 |
| Publication Date: | 2012 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Preschool Education |
| Descriptors: | Reading Achievement, Numbers, Bayesian Statistics, Preschool Children, Models, Learning Disabilities, Measurement, Adults, Training, Mathematics |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.cognition.2011.11.006 |
| ISSN: | 0010-0277 |
| Abstract: | Mapping of number onto space is fundamental to mathematics and measurement. Previous research suggests that while typical adults with mathematical schooling map numbers veridically onto a linear scale, pre-school children and adults without formal mathematics training, as well as individuals with dyscalculia, show strong compressive, logarithmic-like non-linearities when mapping both symbolic and non-symbolic numbers onto the numberline. Here we show that the use of the linear scale is dependent on attentional resources. We asked typical adults to position clouds of dots on a numberline of various lengths. In agreement with previous research, they did so veridically under normal conditions, but when asked to perform a concurrent attentionally-demanding conjunction task, the mapping followed a compressive, non-linear function. We model the non-linearity both by the commonly assumed logarithmic transform, and also with a Bayesian model of central tendency. These results suggest that veridical representation numerosity requires attentional mechanisms. (Contains 3 figures.) |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2012 |
| Accession Number: | EJ953951 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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