Neurodevelopmental differences in child and adult number processing: An fMRI-based validation of the triple code model

The triple code model of numerical cognition (TCM) details the neurocognitive mechanisms associated with perceiving and manipulating information in exact symbolic (Arabic digits number words) approximate nonsymbolic magnitude (e.g., dot arrays) representation codes. current study provides a first empirical fMRI-based investigation into neurodevelopmental differences 30 healthy children’s 44 adults’ recruitment neural correlates Arabic digit, word, Differences between two groups were found cingulate regions commonly domain-general aspects cognitive control, as opposed to processing per se. A primary developmental difference was identified verbal discrimination, where only adults recruited left-lateralized perisylvian language areas accordance TCM. We therefore call for revision formulation separate child adult-specific discrimination words. Although further research is necessary, results indicate that abilities middle-school-aged children operate close adult-level maturity. Neurodevelopmental may be more apparent younger children, or on level functional network dynamics shift substrates.