The Neuroscience of Time and Number: Untying the Gordian Knot

Cindy Lustig

doi:10.3389/fnint.2011.00047

Abstract

The Neuroscience of Time and Number: Untying the Gordian Knot

Highlights

Information processing models of time and number magnitude describe the scalar property as deriving from cognitive processes such as attention, short-term memory, and reference memory
Our understanding of the mechanisms underlying neuroscience of time and number (NEUTIN) and their specific relations to the brain mechanisms underlying other aspects of cognitive processing remains in its infancy
Questions concerning the impact of development, sensory modality, sleepdependent memory consolidation, stimulus field/whole-body motion, and genetic predispositions toward increased/decreased neurotransmitter activities of dopamine, glutamate, and serotonin systems in cortico-striatal circuits will be important components in future studies of numerical and temporal cognition (Libertus and Brannon, 2009; Dehaene and Brannon, 2010; Sysoeva et al, 2010; Agostino et al, 2011; Wiener et al, 2011)

Summary

Introduction

Information processing models of time and number magnitude describe the scalar property as deriving from cognitive processes such as attention, short-term memory, and reference memory (e.g., the mode-control model of counting and timing; Meck and Church, 1983; Meck et al, 1985). One barrier to understanding the intricate, intertwined nature of the relations among temporal, numerical, and other aspects of cognitive processing is that researchers have often adopted an Alexandrian solution – that is, divided these aspects into different fields of study.

Results

Conclusion