Speaker
Description
Several studies show that spatial cognition interacts with numerical cognition in various ways. For instance, numbers interact with space through manual movements, where smaller numerical magnitudes are associated with precision vs. power grips. One of the tasks used to probe mental number space associations is random number generation (RNG). Studies show that participants generate larger numbers when moving their heads to the right or upwards. Furthermore, recent observational studies demonstrate that people frequently use gestures when talking about numerical quantities.
In a pre-registered study, we explored whether performing natural manual gestures could modulate RNG: greater quantities may be more likely to be generated during outward-moving gestures and lesser quantities during inwards gestures. Further, we aimed to explore whether this association is modulated by both mathematical expertise, assessed by collecting numeracy data through the Subjective Numeracy Scale (SNS), and propensity to gesture, as assessed by the Brief Assessment of Gesture scale (BAGS). Preliminary results (N = 60) support our hypothesis, showing that higher random numbers are more frequently produced with outward movements, while lower random numbers are more frequently produced with inward movements. However, so far, no significant correlations have been found between individual differences, as measured by numeracy (SNS) and gestures (BAG) scales, and the magnitude difference between conditions. To gain a clear understanding of the role of expertise in this effect, we aim to strengthen the individual differences, involving participants with different mathematical backgrounds and varying cross-cultural propensities to gesture (e.g., Italian vs. English individuals).
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