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The Impact of Mathematical Proficiency on the Number-Space Association

Author

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  • Danielle Hoffmann
  • Christophe Mussolin
  • Romain Martin
  • Christine Schiltz

Abstract

A specific instance of the association between numerical and spatial representations is the SNARC (Spatial Numerical Association of Response Codes) effect. The SNARC effect describes the finding that during binary classification of numbers participants are faster to respond to small/large numbers with the left/right hand respectively. Even though it has been frequently replicated, important inter-individual variability has also been reported. Mathematical proficiency is an obvious candidate source for inter-individual variability in numerical judgments, but studies investigating its influence on the SNARC effect remain scarce. The present experiment included a total of 95 University students, divided into three groups differing significantly in their mathematical proficiency levels. Using group analyses, it appeared that the three groups differed significantly in the strength of their number-space associations in a parity judgment task. This result was further confirmed on an individual level, with higher levels in arithmetic leading to relatively weaker SNARC effects. To explain this negative relationship we propose accounts based on differences in access to qualitatively different numerical representations and also consider more domain general factors, with a focus on inhibition capacities.

Suggested Citation

  • Danielle Hoffmann & Christophe Mussolin & Romain Martin & Christine Schiltz, 2014. "The Impact of Mathematical Proficiency on the Number-Space Association," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 9(1), pages 1-11, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0085048
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0085048
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Julie Castronovo & Silke M Göbel, 2012. "Impact of High Mathematics Education on the Number Sense," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 7(4), pages 1-16, April.
    2. Ping Ren & Michael E R Nicholls & Yuan-ye Ma & Lin Chen, 2011. "Size Matters: Non-Numerical Magnitude Affects the Spatial Coding of Response," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 6(8), pages 1-6, August.
    3. Michèle M M Mazzocco & Lisa Feigenson & Justin Halberda, 2011. "Preschoolers' Precision of the Approximate Number System Predicts Later School Mathematics Performance," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 6(9), pages 1-8, September.
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    1. Fiona Nemeh & Judi Humberstone & Mark J Yates & Robert A Reeve, 2018. "Non-symbolic magnitudes are represented spatially: Evidence from a non-symbolic SNARC task," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(8), pages 1-15, August.
    2. Arnaud Viarouge & Edward M Hubbard & Bruce D McCandliss, 2014. "The Cognitive Mechanisms of the SNARC Effect: An Individual Differences Approach," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 9(4), pages 1-10, April.

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