Tracking the Continuous Dynamics of Numerical Processing: A Brief Review and Editorial

Authors

  • Thomas J. Faulkenberry Orcid
    Tarleton State University, Stephenville, TX, USA
  • Matthias Witte
    University of Graz, Graz, Austria
  • Matthias Hartmann
    University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Swiss Distance Learning University, Brig, Switzerland

Abstract

Many recent studies in numerical cognition have moved beyond the use of purely chronometric techniques in favor of methods which track the continuous dynamics of numerical processing. Two examples of such techniques include eye tracking and hand tracking (or computer mouse tracking). To reflect this increased concentration on continuous methods, we have collected a group of 5 articles that utilize these techniques to answer some contemporary questions in numerical cognition. In this editorial, we discuss the two paradigms and provide a brief review of some of the work in numerical cognition that has profited from the use of these techniques. For both methods, we discuss the past research through the frameworks of single digit number processing, multidigit number processing, and mental arithmetic processing. We conclude with a discussion of the papers that have been contributed to this special section and point to some possible future directions for researchers interested in tracking the continuous dynamics of numerical processing.