Abstract
Access to mental representations of smaller vs. larger number symbols is associated with leftward vs. rightward spatial locations, as represented on a number line. The well-replicated SNARC effect (Spatial-Numerical Association of Response Codes) reveals that simple decisions about small numbers are facilitated when stimuli are presented on the left, and large numbers facilitated when on the right. We present novel evidence that the size of the SNARC effect is relatively stable within individuals over time. This enables us to take an individual differences approach to investigate how the SNARC effect is modulated by spatial and numerical cognition. Are number-space associations linked to spatial operations, such that those who have greater facility in spatial computations show the stronger SNARC effects, or are they linked to number semantics, such that those showing stronger influence of magnitude associations on number symbol decisions show stronger SNARC effects? Our results indicate a significant correlation between the SNARC effect and a 2D mental rotation task, suggesting that spatial operations are at play in the expression of this effect. We also uncover a significant correlation between the SNARC effect and the distance effect, suggesting that the SNARC is also related to access to number semantics. A multiple regression analysis reveals that the relative contributions of spatial cognition and distance effects represent significant, yet distinct, contributions in explaining variation in the size of the SNARC effect from one individual to the next. Overall, these results shed new light on how the spatial-numerical associations of response codes are influenced by both number semantics and spatial operations.
Highlights
One of the prominent representations of numbers takes the form of a mental number line (MNL)
As one test of the hypothesis that the SNARC effect reflects links between numerical and spatial processes, we predicted that individual differences in the magnitude of the SNARC effect would correlate with visuospatial measures, such as mental rotation, which is thought to rely on parietal circuitry that partially overlaps with parietal mechanisms for numerical processing [5,20]
How do those individual differences in what is commonly thought of as a spatialization of numbers relate to the precision of the MNL? And, what is the strength of this relation relative to the relation between the SNARC effect and purely visuospatial tasks? Answering these questions will help us understand the exact nature of the number-space interactions, and their relevance for mathematical abilities in general
Summary
One of the prominent representations of numbers takes the form of a mental number line (MNL). As one test of the hypothesis that the SNARC effect reflects links between numerical and spatial processes, we predicted that individual differences in the magnitude of the SNARC effect would correlate with visuospatial measures, such as mental rotation, which is thought to rely on parietal circuitry that partially overlaps with parietal mechanisms for numerical processing [5,20]. From a more general point of view, our study seeks to address the question of how number-space associations, as assessed by the SNARC effect, relate to numerical and visuospatial abilities in adult participants How do those individual differences in what is commonly thought of as a spatialization of numbers relate to the precision of the MNL? By looking at how individual differences in the amplitude of the SNARC effect relates to individual differences in both numerical and visuospatial tasks, we hope to better understand the relationships between visuospatial and mathematical abilities
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
