Abstract
We investigate the number preferences of children and adults when generating random digit sequences. Previous research has shown convincingly that adults prefer smaller numbers when randomly choosing between responses 1-6. We analyze randomization choices made by both children and adults, considering a range of experimental studies and task configurations. Children - most of whom are between 8 and 11 years - show a preference for relatively large numbers when choosing numbers 1-10. Adults show a preference for small numbers with the same response set. We report a modest association between children's age and numerical bias. However, children also exhibit a small number bias with a smaller response set available, and they show a preference specifically for the numbers 1-3 across many datasets. We argue that number space demonstrates both continuities (numbers 1-3 have a distinct status) and change (a developmentally emerging bias toward the left side of representational space or lower numbers).
Original language | English |
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Article number | Article 19 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Frontiers in Psychology |
Volume | 5 |
Issue number | 19 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2014 |
Keywords
- Cognitive development
- Number preferences
- Numerical cognition
- Random generation
- Spatial cognition