Learning Linear Spatial-Numeric Associations Improves Accuracy of Memory for Numbers

Healthy Communities Research Institute, Department of Psychological Sciences
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  3. Learning Linear Spatial-Numeric Associations Improves Accuracy of Memory for Numbers
Author(s)
Abstract
Memory for numbers improves with age and experience. One potential source of improvement is a logarithmic-to-linear shift in children's representations of magnitude. To test this, Kindergartners and second graders estimated the location of numbers on number lines and recalled numbers presented in vignettes (Study 1). Accuracy at number line estimation predicted memory accuracy on a numerical recall task after controlling for the effect of age and ability to approximately order magnitudes (mapper status). To test more directly whether linear numeric magnitude representations caused improvements in memory, half of children were given feedback on their number-line estimates (Study 2). As expected, learning linear representations was again linked to memory for numerical information even after controlling for age and mapper status. These results suggest that linear representations of numerical magnitude may be a causal factor in development of numeric recall accuracy.
Format
Article
Identifier(s)
10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00024
Publication Date
2016-01-21
Publication Title
Frontiers in Psychology
Volume
7
Issue
24
Keywords
Subject
Rights
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Community
Healthy Communities Research Institute
Department of Psychological Sciences
Permalink https://oaks.kent.edu/hcri/learning-linear-spatial-numeric-associations-improves-accuracy-memory-numbers
Thompson, C., & Opfer, J. (2016). Learning Linear Spatial-Numeric Associations Improves Accuracy of Memory for Numbers (1–). Frontiers in Psychology. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00024
Thompson, Clarissa, and John Opfer. 2016. “Learning Linear Spatial-Numeric Associations Improves Accuracy of Memory for Numbers”. Frontiers in Psychology. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00024.
Thompson, Clarissa, and John Opfer. Learning Linear Spatial-Numeric Associations Improves Accuracy of Memory for Numbers. Frontiers in Psychology, 21 Jan. 2016, https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00024.