Giovanni Anobile
PhD Student in Cognitive Science, University of Florence
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Contacts
Research laboratories
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Education
- 2009: Italian Master Degree in Experimental Psychology. Summa cum laude. University of Florence.
- 2007: Italian Degree in Experimental Psychology. University of Florence.
Current research and interests
- Numerosity perception
- Multi-sensory perception
- Dyscalculia
- Attention
Publications
2012
Anobile, G., Cicchini, G. M. & Burr, D. C. (2012). Linear mapping of numbers onto space requires attention,Cognition, 3 (122), 454-459. PDF
Mapping of number onto space is fundamental to mathematics and measurement. Previous research suggests that while typical adults with mathematical schooling map numbers veridically onto a linear scale, pre-school children and adults without formal mathematics training, as well as individuals with dyscalculia, show strong compressive, logarithmic-like non-linearities when mapping both symbolic and non-symbolic numbers onto the numberline. Here we show that the use of the linear scale is dependent on attentional resources. We asked typical adults to position clouds of dots on a numberline of various lengths. In agreement with previous research, they did so veridically under normal conditions, but when asked to perform a concurrent attentionally-demanding conjunction task, the mapping followed a compressive, non-linear function. We model the non-linearity both by the commonly assumed logarithmic transform, and also with a Bayesian model of central tendency. These results suggest that veridical representation numerosity requires attentional mechanisms.
2011
Burr, D. C., Anobile, G. & Turi, M. (2011). Adaptation Affects Both High and Low (Subitized) Numbers Under Conditions of High Attentional Load,Seeing and Perceiving, (24), 141-150. PDF
It has recently been reported that, like most sensory systems, numerosity is subject to adaptation. However, the effect seemed to be limited to numerosity estimation outside the subitizing range. In this study we show that low numbers, clearly in the subitizing range, are adaptable under conditions of high attentional load. These results support the idea that numerosity is detected by a perceptual mechanism that operates over the entire range of numbers, supplemented by an attention-based system for small numbers (subitizing).
2010
Burr, D. C., Turi, M. & Anobile, G. (2010). Subitizing but not estimation of numerosity requires attentional resources,J Vis, 6 (10), 20. PDF
The numerosity of small numbers of objects, up to about four, can be rapidly appraised without error, a phenomenon known as subitizing. Larger numbers can either be counted, accurately but slowly, or estimated, rapidly but with errors. There has been some debate as to whether subitizing uses the same or different mechanisms than those of higher numerical ranges and whether it requires attentional resources. We measure subjects' accuracy and precision in making rapid judgments of numerosity for target numbers spanning the subitizing and estimation ranges while manipulating the attentional load, both with a spatial dual task and the "attentional blink" dual-task paradigm. The results of both attentional manipulations were similar. In the high-load attentional condition, Weber fractions were similar in the subitizing (2-4) and estimation (5-7) ranges (10-15%). In the low-load and single-task condition, Weber fractions substantially improved in the subitizing range, becoming nearly error-free, while the estimation range was relatively unaffected. The results show that the mechanisms operating over the subitizing and estimation ranges are not identical. We suggest that pre-attentive estimation mechanisms works at all ranges, but in the subitizing range, attentive mechanisms also come into play.
Conferences
- Anobile G, Turi M, Burr D C, 2010, "Subitizing but not estimation of numerosity requires attentional resources". Perception, 39 ECVP Abstract Supplement, page 80.
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