Samar Zebian|Daniel Ansari
Differences between literates and illiterates on symbolic but not nonsymbolic numerical magnitude processing
Lebanese American University|Western University
study numerical magnitude processing provides unique opportunity examine interactions phylogenetically ancient systems semantic representations product enculturation nonsymbolic representations numerical magnitude processed similarly humans nonhuman animals symbolic representations numerical magnitude eg hinduarabic numerals culturally invented symbols uniquely human report comparison symbolic nonsymbolic numerical magnitude processing two groups participants differ substantially level literacy study level literacy used index level schoolbased numeracy skill data groups demonstrate processing nonsymbolic numerical magnitude numerical distance effect unaffected individuals level literacy processing hinduarabic numerals differs literate illiterate individuals live literature culture limited symbolic recognition skills findings reveal nonsymbolic numerical magnitude processing unaffected enculturation processing numerical symbols modulated literacy