Abstract
The present study examined the processing of unit fractions and the extent to which it is affected by context. Using a numerical comparison task we found evidence for a holistic representation of unit fractions when the immediate context of the fractions was emphasized, that is when the stimuli set included in addition to the unit fractions also the numbers 0 and 1. The holistic representation was indicated by the semantic congruity effect for comparisons of pairs of fractions and by the distance effect in comparisons of a fraction and 0 and 1. Consistent with previous results (Bonato, Fabbri, Umilta, & Zorzi, 2007) there was no evidence for a holistic representation of unit fractions when the stimulus set included only fractions. These findings suggest that fraction processing is context-dependent. Finally, the present results are discussed in the context of processing other complex numbers beyond the first decade.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 201-206 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Experimental Psychology |
| Volume | 58 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 5 May 2011 |
Keywords
- Fractions
- Numerical cognition
- Numerical comparisons
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
- Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)
- General Psychology