数字线估计研究:“模型”背后的策略

Number-line estimation:Strategies underlying the "models"

基于数字线估计任务,研究者认为数字大小表征是逐渐由对数模型向线性模型发展的,对数字的线性表征可促进数字记忆能力的发展。然而,这些研究并未对数字估计准确性与数字大小的关系给予足够的关注。本研究认为数字线估计需要包括工作记忆在内的多种认知成分参与,工作记忆等能力的不足可能使得幼儿必须借助于外部线索来进行数字线估计,因此数字线估计准确性在不同的数字上有不同的表现。本研究使用5至6岁幼儿为被试进行了数字线估计研究,支持了上述假设,这说明了幼儿在进行数字线估计时是一个灵活的策略使用者。

Using a number-line estimation task, researchers proposed that the numerical magnitude representations of children were developed from a period of logarithmical function to a period of linear function, and that the linearity of number representation aided children＇s memory for numbers. However, these studies had not paid enough attention to the relationship between the accuracy of number-line estimation and numbers themselves. The present study suggested that the number-line estimation should involve multiple cognitive components like working memory. And low capacity in working memory might push children to accomplish number-line estimation with the help of some external clues, so the accuracy of number-line estimation would be different for variant numbers. The present study, using children aged from 5 to 6 as subjects, supported the above hypothesis by proving that children who work with numberline estimation tasks were nimble strategy users.