Modeling the left digit effect in adult number line estimation

Abstract

Number line estimation tasks are frequently used to study numerical cognition skills. In a typical version, the bounded number line task, target numerals must be placed on a bounded line labeled only at its endpoints (e.g., with 0 and 100). Placements by adults, while highly accurate, reveal a cyclical pattern of over- and underestimation of target numerals. The pattern suggests use of proportion judgment strategies and is well-captured by cyclical power models. Another systematic number line bias that has recently been observed, but has not yet been considered in modeling efforts, is the left digit effect. Numerals with different leftmost digits (e.g., 39 and 41) are placed farther apart on a line than is warranted. In the current study (N = 60), adult estimates were obtained for all numerals on a 0–100 number line estimation task, and fit of the standard cyclical power model was compared with two modified versions of the model. One modified version included a parameter that underweights the rightward digit's place value (e.g., the ones digit here), and the other used the same parameter to underweight all digits' place values. We found that both modifications provided a considerably better fit for individual and median data than the standard model, and we discuss their relative merits and cognitive interpretations. The data and models suggest how a left digit bias might impact estimates across the number line.