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Updated: Oct 10, 2025

Multimedia Battery for Assessment of Cognitive and Basic Skills in Mathematics BM-PROMA
Published on: August 28, 2021
Numbers in action
David C Burr1,2, Giovanni Anobile1, Elisa Castaldi1,3
1Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Pharmacology, and Child Health, University of Florence, 50139Florence, Italy. davidcharles.burr@unifi.itgiovanni.anobile@unifi.itelisa.castaldi@gmail.comroberto.arrighi@unifi.ithttps://www.pisavisionlab.org/members/giovanni-anobilehttps://www.pisavisionlab.org/members/roberto-arrighi.
Number sense, specifically estimating quantity (numerosity), is crucial for how we perceive the world and prepare to act within it. This suggests a unified system for both sensing and acting.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Action Science
Background:
- Understanding number sense is key to cognitive function.
- The role of numerosity estimation in perception and action is under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the functional role of numerosity estimation.
- To investigate the link between numerosity estimation and action preparation.
- To propose a generalized numerosity system.
Main Methods:
- Experimental design linking numerosity estimation with action.
- Behavioral experiments measuring perception and action preparation.
Main Results:
- Numerosity estimation is fundamental for perception.
- Numerosity estimation plays a role in action preparation and control.
- Evidence supports a generalized system for numerosity.
Conclusions:
- Numerosity estimation is a core component of number sense.
- A generalized numerosity system integrates perception and action preparation.
- Further research can elucidate the mechanisms of this integrated system.
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