Do You See It? Perceptual Salience in Visual Representations on Multilevel Unit Coordination (Poster 13)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Eight
  In Poster Session: Section 1C Mathematics Poster Session

Abstract

The present study investigated the effects of perceptual salience in visual representations of multidigit numbers on undergraduates’ multilevel unit coordination, a central component of base-ten numeration knowledge. Undergraduates (N = 121) were presented with representations of whole-number quantities that differed by the visibility of target units. No effect of perceptual salience was found, but when presented with numerals (i.e., written numbers), undergraduates were better at composing units (creating larger units from smaller ones) than decomposing them (interpreting larger units as groups of smaller ones). The results suggest that adults have difficulty applying base-ten conceptual structures to interpret numerals and may provide an indication of the long-term impacts of school curricula that provide only superficial instruction on numeration concepts.

Authors

• Mélanie BARILARO, Concordia University - Montreal
  Presenting Author

• Helena P. Osana, Concordia University - Montreal
  Non-Presenting Author

• Andie Storozuk, University of Ottawa
  Non-Presenting Author

• Isabelle Atkins, Université du Québec - Montréal
  Non-Presenting Author

• Anne Lafay, Université Savoie Mont Blanc
  Non-Presenting Author