TY - JOUR
T1 - Measuring the acuity of the approximate number system in young children
AU - Krajcsi, Attila
AU - Chesney, Dana
AU - Cipora, Kryzysztof
AU - Coolen, Ilse
AU - Gilmore, Camilla
AU - Inglis, Matthew
AU - Libertus, Melissa
AU - Nuerk, Hans-Christoph
AU - Simms, Victoria
AU - Reynvoet, Bert
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 The Author(s)
PY - 2024/6/30
Y1 - 2024/6/30
N2 - The approximate number system (ANS) is a hypothesized mechanism responsible for the repre- sentation and processing of numerical information in an imprecise fashion. According to the predominant theory, the ANS is essential in solving simple numerical tasks such as comparing which of two quantities is numerically larger, and some research has indicated that individual differences in its acuity influence higher-level mathematical performance. Because of this far- reaching role of the ANS, it is essential to assess its acuity with measures that are reliable, and valid. The present work reviews and synthesizes many of the methodological problems that are relevant for measuring ANS acuity in young children. We discuss issues related to task compre- hension, the role of non-numerical perceptual properties of the stimuli, the role of inhibition, and the appropriateness and reliability of the ANS acuity indices. Recommendations and open questions are summarized.
AB - The approximate number system (ANS) is a hypothesized mechanism responsible for the repre- sentation and processing of numerical information in an imprecise fashion. According to the predominant theory, the ANS is essential in solving simple numerical tasks such as comparing which of two quantities is numerically larger, and some research has indicated that individual differences in its acuity influence higher-level mathematical performance. Because of this far- reaching role of the ANS, it is essential to assess its acuity with measures that are reliable, and valid. The present work reviews and synthesizes many of the methodological problems that are relevant for measuring ANS acuity in young children. We discuss issues related to task compre- hension, the role of non-numerical perceptual properties of the stimuli, the role of inhibition, and the appropriateness and reliability of the ANS acuity indices. Recommendations and open questions are summarized.
KW - Mathematical cognition
KW - Approximate number system
KW - Nonsymbolic arithmetic
KW - Approximate Number System
KW - Reliability
KW - Weber fraction
KW - Numerical development
UR - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dr.2024.101131
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85187988933&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.dr.2024.101131
DO - 10.1016/j.dr.2024.101131
M3 - Article
SN - 0273-2297
VL - 72
JO - Developmental Review
JF - Developmental Review
M1 - 101131
ER -
