The influence of embodied cognition on the perception and representation of numbers: A meta-analysis

The impact of embodiment on numerical cognition remains under debate, with varying interpretations of its role in numerical processing. To clarify the overall effect size of embodied numerosity and its influencing factors, this study conducted a meta-analysis of 73 effect sizes from 49 papers using a random effects model. The main effect revealed a medium-strength effect size of embodied cognition on number processing, g = 0.660, 95 % CI [0.541, 0.779], p < 0.001. Subgroup analyses indicated that both the finger and non-finger groups had medium-strength effect sizes. Moderator effects analyses showed that the embodied numerosity effect was moderated by experimental task, gender, and handedness, while explicit instructions and the online state of sensorimotor activation were more likely to activate the embodied numerosity effect. This study provides a basis for understanding the relationship between embodiment and numerical cognition.