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Universal and uniquely human factors in spontaneous number perception
Stephen Ferrigno1, Julian Jara-Ettinger2, Steven T Piantadosi1
1Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, 358 Meliora Hall, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, USA.
Nature Communications
|January 17, 2017
Summary
Humans and animals possess nonverbal numerical estimation skills. This study shows humans universally and spontaneously extract numerical information, enhanced by mathematical experience.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Science
- Comparative Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Nonverbal numerical estimation is common in humans and animals.
- The spontaneous extraction of numerical percepts and the influence of formal mathematics education on nonverbal perception remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether numerical percepts are spontaneously extracted from the environment.
- To determine if formal mathematics education influences nonverbal numerical perception.
Main Methods:
- A quantity task was administered to US adults and children, non-human primates, and numerate and innumerate Tsimane' adults.
- Participants categorized sets of dots based on number, surface area, or both.
Main Results:
- All participants showed a universal bias towards judging quantities based on number rather than surface area.
- Numerical biases were significantly enhanced in humans compared to non-human primates.
- Mathematics experience positively correlated with numerical biases in both US and Tsimane' groups.
Conclusions:
- Humans universally and spontaneously extract numerical information from their environment.
- Nonverbal numerical perception in humans is enhanced by symbolic numeracy and mathematics experience.
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