Sizes, ratios, approximations: On what and how the ANS represents. (15th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ball, Brian
• Is Part Of: Behavioral and brain sciences. Volume 44(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-12-15
• Subjects: Psychophysiology -- Periodicals; Psychology -- Periodicals; Human behavior -- Periodicals; Animal behavior -- Periodicals; Brain -- Periodicals; 616.89142
• DOI: 10.1017/S0140525X21001096
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0140-525X

Abstract

Abstract: Clarke and Beck propose that the approximate number system (ANS) represents rational numbers. The evidence cited supports only the view that it represents ratios (and positive integers). Rational numbers are extensive magnitudes (i.e., sizes), whereas ratios are intensities. It is also argued that WHAT a system represents and HOW it does so are not as independent of one another as the authors assume.