Ariel Starr|Melissa E. Libertus|Elizabeth M. Brannon
Number sense in infancy predicts mathematical abilities in childhood
Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience|Duke University|Johns Hopkins University|University of Pittsburgh|Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience|Duke University
human infants first year life possess intuitive sense number preverbal number sense may serve developmental building block uniquely human capacity mathematics support idea several studies demonstrated nonverbal number sense correlated mathematical abilities children adults however direct evidence infant numerical abilities related mathematical abilities later childhood provide evidence preverbal number sense infancy predicts mathematical abilities preschoolaged children numerical preference scores 6 months age correlated standardized math test scores nonsymbolic number comparison scores 35 years age suggesting preverbal number sense facilitates acquisition numerical symbols mathematical abilities relationship held even controlling general intelligence indicating preverbal number sense imparts unique contribution mathematical ability results validate many prior studies purporting show number sense infancy support hypothesis mathematics built upon intuitive sense number predates language