Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Automated, Quantitative Cognitive/Behavioral Screening of Mice: For Genetics, Pharmacology, Animal Cognition and Undergraduate Instruction
Published on: February 26, 2014
The exact vs. approximate distinction in numerical cognition may not be exact, but only approximate: How different
Elise Klein1, Hans-Christoph Nuerk, Guilherme Wood
1Department of Neurology, Section Neuropsychology, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany; Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research "BioMAT.", RWTH Aachen, Germany.
Abstract:
Two types of calculation processes have been distinguished in the literature: approximate processes are supposed to rely heavily on the non-verbal quantity system, whereas exact processes are assumed to crucially involve the verbal system. These two calculation processes were commonly distinguished by manipulation of two factors in addition problems: the identity of the target and the distance of the distractor. However, in all previous studies, these two factors were not manipulated independently. In this fMRI study, we could disentangle the two factors by using a different (two-digit) number stimulus set. Both behavioral and neurofunctional data suggest that the cognitive processes involved could be best explained by the (independent) factors target and distractor distance. Based on these data we suggest that the exact/approximate distinction does not seem to be as generally valid as previously assumed. We conclude that this study may be a starting point for a closer examination of the experimental, procedural and strategic conditions of when the exact/approximate distinction is valid and when it is not.
Related Concept Videos
Approximate Integration
Accuracy, limits, and approximation
Accuracy is defined as the closeness of the measured value to the true or actual value. In engineering mechanics, repeated measurements are taken during theoretical or experimental analyses to ensure that the result is precise and accurate.
The accuracy of any solution is based on the...
Significant Figures in Calculations
Uncertainty in Measurement: Reading Instruments
Numerical Calculations
The solution to a problem is obtained using different methods. While manually solving algebraic symbols is one of the most common methods, the graphical method is often preferred. Computers...
Uncertainty in Measurement: Significant Figures

