The Brain- Numbers Chapter 13

THE HUMAN BRAIN

​LECTURE 13: NUMBER

​This lecture discussed several important points that have significance for the 2e community.​ It explored the nature of the human representation of number and how it is implemented in the brain.

​By Virginia Carrillo

​CDL 611 Introduction to Cognitively Diverse Minds

The horizontal segment of intraparietal sulcus (HIPS) is one of the key functional regions for processing numbers.

​The HIPS area is indicated by the red line.

​HIPS

This part of the brain is determined in-utero and not affected by brain maturation and learning.

​The HIPS area is indicated by the red line.

​HIPS

 Unlike the systems of motion and navigation, the parietal lobe does not seem extremely focused on numbers.

​The Parietal Lobe

Number Sense

​HIPS

​This area seems to greatly affect number sense.

​Number sense is when a person is able to represent large amounts without counting.​ It is a person's ability to understand, connect and relate to numbers.

Number Sense

Multiple Choice

Select the one that has more dots without counting.

​We can approximate. We look at something and roughly know how many there are. It is abstract and used in operations.

Number Sense

​Shared with animals and humans and there are very big individual differences among people.

​Approximate Number System

Approximate Number Sense

Early ability with approximate number sense predicts later math ability with organized math that you learn in school. Ability in this area is independent of IQ.

​People with a deficit in the HIPS area are said to have this syndrome. It is unrelated to other abilities

​

Developmental Dyscalculia

​Developmental Dyscalculia

There are ways to intervene in dyscalculia. Children can be tested early for this syndrome. Once identified, appropriate intervention could be provided. According to Dr. Nancy Kanwisher, there are efforts underway for intervention programs.

​Andreas Nieder was able to identify that certain neurons have preferences for certain numbers.

​

Fun Fact

Poll

How is your number sense?

• Excellent! My HIPS area is amazing!

• Great! I can do mental math easily.

• Not bad, but I prefer using a calculator.

• I prefer reading a book over doing math any day.

​In summary...

​People with a deficit in the HIPS area of the brain are said to have dyscalculia, which is unrelated to other abilities or IQ. Therefore, these individuals could be considered 2e. Testing for this syndrome is simple and can be offered at a young age. Early identification and intervention would be extremely beneficial.

Thank You

​MIT Open Courseware- https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/9-13-the-human-brain-spring-2019/resources/lecture-13-number/