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Related Experiment Videos

Is subitizing a unique numerical ability?

J D Balakrishnan1, F G Ashby

  • 1Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208.

Perception & Psychophysics
|December 1, 1991
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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This study tested two models of number enumeration. Neither model fully explains the data, suggesting enumeration is capacity-limited but without a clear shift from subitizing to another process.

Area of Science:

  • Cognitive psychology
  • Numerical cognition
  • Psychophysics

Background:

  • Subitizing is proposed as a unique numerical ability.
  • Existing models of enumeration include bilinear two-process and log-linear single-process models.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To test two models predicting the relationship between enumeration time and numerosity.
  • To evaluate the evidence for subitizing as a distinct numerical ability.

Main Methods:

  • Speeded enumeration experiments were conducted.
  • Two computational models (bilinear two-process and log-linear single-process) were fitted to empirical data.

Main Results:

  • Both models approximated the data but violated its robust shape.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Enumeration of single elements was unpredictably fast.
  • The response-time function for multiple elements showed a significant log-quadratic component.

    • Conclusions:

    • Enumeration appears to be a capacity-limited process.
    • No statistically reliable change in processing character (e.g., from subitizing) was evident for displays up to six elements.