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Finding the subitizing in groupitizing: Evidence for parallel subitizing of dots and groups in grouped arrays
Theresa E Wege1, Kelly Trezise2, Matthew Inglis2
1Centre for Mathematical Cognition, Loughborough University, Epinal Way, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK. t.e.wege@lboro.ac.uk.
Psychonomic Bulletin & Review
|October 21, 2021
Summary
Groupitizing allows faster enumeration of grouped visual arrays by engaging multiple subitizing processes. Both dots and groups are processed in parallel within 150 milliseconds.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Visual Perception
- Numerical Cognition
Background:
- Groupitizing enhances enumeration speed for visually structured arrays compared to unstructured ones.
- Prior research suggests groupitizing leverages arithmetic and mental calculation abilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of subitizing in identifying operands for mental calculations within grouped dot arrays.
- To determine if multiple subitizing processes can enumerate both dots and groups concurrently.
Main Methods:
- Experimental investigation of subitizing processes in grouped dot arrays.
- Timing analysis of enumeration tasks, focusing on subitizing within 150 ms.
Main Results:
- Participants can employ multiple subitizing processes to count both dots and groups in an array.
- Subitization of dots and groups occurs in parallel and with equal priority.
- These parallel processes are completed within 150 milliseconds.
Conclusions:
- Subitizing plays a crucial role in the operand-finding stage of groupitizing.
- Parallel and prioritized subitizing of elements and groups underlies efficient groupitizing.
- Findings inform theories on the cognitive mechanisms driving rapid enumeration of structured visual stimuli.
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