Numerical Abilities

From an early age, children exhibit basic numerical abilities. These abilities lay the foundation for later, formal, mathematical abilities that are important for everyday life as a citizen in modern society. In our research, we study what experiences shape early emerging numerical abilities and what mechanisms turn such abilities into knowledge about mathematical concepts, like the natural numbers. We also study how numerical abilities are related to other mathematical concepts, such as geometry, and what learning tools (e.g. games) can help them develop.

To study the development of numerical abilities we use eye-tracking, standardized tests, and behavioral tasks.