Multiple spatial mappings in numerical cognition

J Exp Psychol Hum Percept Perform. 2012 Jun;38(3):804-9. doi: 10.1037/a0027562. Epub 2012 Mar 19.

Abstract

A recent cross-cultural comparison (Shaki, Fischer, & Petrusic, 2009) suggested that spatially consistent processing habits for words and numbers are a necessary condition for the spatial representation of numbers (Spatial-Numerical Association of Response Codes; SNARC effect). Here we reexamine the SNARC in Israelis who read text from right to left but numbers from left to right. We show that, despite these spatially inconsistent processing habits, a SNARC effect still emerges when the response dimension is spatially orthogonal to the conflicting processing dimension. These results clarify the cognitive conditions for spatial-numerical mappings.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cognition*
  • Female
  • Functional Laterality
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mathematics*
  • Photic Stimulation
  • Reaction Time
  • Space Perception*
  • Young Adult