ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on types of enumeration of objects that are language-independent. Researchers have proposed two systems for language-independent numerosity processing: a system involved in small exact numerosity perception and a system for large approximate numerosity perception (often called the Approximate Number System [ANS]). If education can enhance ANS acuity, then the logical next step is to assume that the ANS system can be trained. If the ANS provides a cognitive foundation for symbolic mathematics, then ANS training in turn might lead to better mathematical performance. In a review of all ANS training studies published until 2016, including those discussed above, Szucs and Myers argued that there are methodological flaws with many of the published studies in the area. The relationship between ANS acuity and mathematical ability became nonsignificant in their study when they controlled for inhibitory control. It has been claimed that when we are comparing the numerosity of pairs of nonsymbolic stimuli we are using an ANS.
