2024

Burr, D. C., Anobile, G., & Arrighi, R.

Number Adaptation: Reply

SSRN Scholarly Paper 4839798

https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4839798 Download

Adaptation is a ubiquitous property of perceptual systems, allowing them to operate over a large dynamic range, and increasing sensitivity to change. The number sense, like most other perceptual systems, shows strong adaptation. In this issue, Yousef et al challenge the existence of number adaptation, offering an alternate explanation that they term the “old news hypothesis”. Here we consider the major evidence advanced for their theory and show that, while their predicted effects may reach statistical significance, they are far too small to begin to explain the robust phenomenon of adaptation. We also highlight a series of studies using fMRI, EEG, pupillometry and psycho­physical techniques that support the existence of adaption, and are inconsistent with “old news”. We conclude that number adaptation, while not entirely understood, remains an invaluable concept for understanding the number sense.