TY  - JOUR
A1  - Bar, Hofit
A1  - Fischer, Martin H.
A1  - Algom, Daniel
T1  - On the linear representation of numbers
BT  - Evidence from a new two-numbers-to-two positions task
JF  - Psychological research : an international journal of perception, attention, memory, and action
N2  - In the number-to-position methodology, a number is presented on each trial and the observer places it on a straight line in a position that corresponds to its felt subjective magnitude. In the novel modification introduced in this study, the two-numbers-to-two-positions method, a pair of numbers rather than a single number is presented on each trial and the observer places them in appropriate positions on the same line. Responses in this method indicate not only the subjective magnitude of each single number but, simultaneously, provide a direct estimation of their subjective numerical distance. The results of four experiments provide strong evidence for a linear representation of numbers and, commensurately, for the linear representation of numerical distances. We attribute earlier results that indicate a logarithmic representation to the ordered nature of numbers and to the task used and not to a truly non-linear underlying representation.
Y1  - 2018
U6  - https://doi.org/10.1007/s00426-018-1063-y
SN  - 0340-0727
SN  - 1430-2772
VL  - 83
IS  - 1
SP  - 48
EP  - 63
PB  - Springer
CY  - Heidelberg
ER  -