Abstract
Neuroimaging studies in the last 20years have tried to unravel the neural correlates of number processing across formats in humans and non-human primates. Results point to the intraparietal sulcus as the core area for an abstract representation of numerical quantity. On the other hand, there exist a variety of behavioral and neuroimaging data that are difficult to reconcile with the existence of such an abstract representation. In this study, we addressed this issue by applying multi-voxel pattern analysis (MVPA) to functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) data to unravel the neural representations of symbolic (digits) and non-symbolic (dots) numbers and their possible overlap on three different spatial scales (entire lobules, smaller regions of interest and a searchlight analysis with 2-voxel radius). Results showed that numbers in both formats are decodable in occipital, frontal, temporal and parietal regions. However, there were no overlapping representations between dots and digits on any of the spatial scales. These data suggest that the human brain does not contain an abstract representation of numerical magnitude.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
