Division of Cognitive Sciences, University of Potsdam Potsdam, Germany.
Front Psychol. 2011 Oct 17;2:260. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2011.00260. eCollection 2011.
Spatial-numerical associations (SNAs) are prevalent yet their origin is poorly understood. We first consider the possible prime role of reading habits in shaping SNAs and list three observations that argue against a prominent influence of this role: (1) directional reading habits for numbers may conflict with those for non-numerical symbols, (2) short-term experimental manipulations can overrule the impact of decades of reading experience, (3) SNAs predate the acquisition of reading. As a promising alternative, we discuss behavioral, neuroscientific, and neuropsychological evidence in support of finger counting as the most likely initial determinant of SNAs. Implications of this "manumerical cognition" stance for the distinction between grounded, embodied, and situated cognition are discussed.
空间-数字关联（SNAs）很普遍，但它们的起源却知之甚少。我们首先考虑阅读习惯在塑造 SNAs 方面可能起到的主要作用，并列出了三个反对该作用具有显著影响的观察结果：（1）数字的定向阅读习惯可能与非数字符号的习惯相冲突，（2）短期的实验操作可以推翻几十年阅读经验的影响，（3）SNAs 早于阅读的习得。作为一种有前途的替代方法，我们讨论了支持手指计数作为 SNAs 最可能初始决定因素的行为、神经科学和神经心理学证据。这种“手动认知”立场对基础、体现和情境认知之间的区别的影响进行了讨论。
