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Dissociation of Size and Distance Effect in Numerical Magnitude Comparison in Less Familiar Number Ranges
Alexis Garsmeur1, Roxane Morand1, André Knops1
1LaPsyDÉ, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France.
Journal of Cognition
|February 9, 2026
Summary
Symbolic number comparisons may not rely on the approximate number system (ANS). Instead, a discrete semantic system (DSS) appears to process symbolic numerical magnitudes, distinct from non-symbolic processing.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Numerical Cognition
- Human Perception
Background:
- The approximate number system (ANS) is traditionally believed to support both symbolic and non-symbolic numerical magnitude comparison.
- The dual system model proposes separate systems: ANS for non-symbolic and a discrete semantic system (DSS) for symbolic comparisons.
- Investigating the relationship between size and distance effects in magnitude comparison is key to differentiating these systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test whether symbolic and non-symbolic magnitude comparisons utilize a common ANS or distinct systems (DSS).
- To examine the correlation between size and distance effects across different numerical formats and ranges.
- To provide evidence for or against the dual system model in numerical cognition.
Main Methods:
- Conducted three experiments using symbolic (two-digit integers, decimals) and non-symbolic (dot patterns) magnitude comparison tasks.
- Employed fixed and variable reference paradigms across different number ranges to increase variance.
- Analyzed the correlation between size and distance effects at both group and individual levels.
Main Results:
- A negative correlation between size and distance effects was observed for non-symbolic comparisons, consistent with ANS predictions.
- Symbolic magnitude comparisons in less familiar number ranges showed uncorrelated size and distance effects, supporting the DSS hypothesis.
- Individual-level analysis revealed correlations in a subsample, indicating potential heterogeneity in processing strategies.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest that symbolic numerical magnitude comparison relies on a discrete semantic system (DSS), separate from the approximate number system (ANS).
- The results challenge the notion of a single ANS mediating all numerical magnitude comparisons.
- Further research is needed to address limitations regarding multi-digit processing, effect reliability, and external factors.
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