Brain Activity in Number Comparison Tasks
Author Information
Author(s): Ogata Yousuke, Horaguchi Takahiro, Watanabe Noriya, Yamamoto Miyuki
Primary Institution: Comprehensive Human Science, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
Hypothesis
The study hypothesized that introducing a two-choice condition in number comparison tasks would change neuronal activity associated with the distance effect.
Conclusion
The study found that while the choice effect influenced brain activity, the distance effect did not appear in brain activity despite being present behaviorally.
Supporting Evidence
- Behavioral results confirmed the presence of both the distance effect and the choice effect.
- Longer response times were observed when choosing smaller numbers compared to larger ones.
- Brain activity associated with the distance effect was absent despite the behavioral distance effect being present.
Takeaway
When people compare numbers, choosing the smaller number takes longer and uses more brain power than choosing the larger number.
Methodology
The study used fMRI to measure brain activity while participants compared pairs of numbers under different conditions.
Limitations
The study's design may have increased task load, affecting the results related to the distance effect.
Participant Demographics
Thirteen healthy volunteers (nine males, four females; average age: 21.7; all right handed).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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