How Many Core Systems for Number?

Abstract

Feigenson et al. (2004) posit two core systems for number

one for representing large numerical magnitudes and one for representing small numbers by means of object files. I will present a connectionist model that simulates subitizing and shows that object files cannot explain subitizing

they need to be supplemented by considerations involving experiential input into the system and the existence of an accumulator. Then, I argue that an accumulator that represents numerosities analogically and not symbolically in conjunction with a pattern matching mechanism accounts for numerical capabilities. When arithmetical tasks require spatiotemporal information, the object indexing mechanism is also used. Thus, there is only one core system of number.