Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Psychology
Committee Chair
Jodi Price
Committee Member
Lisa Vangsness
Committee Member
Nathan Tenhundfeld
Research Advisor
Jodi Price
Subject(s)
Visual perception, Estimation theory, Number concept, Numerosity estimation
Abstract
This study looked at the effects of visual features like complexity, grouping, and similarity on numerosity estimations. I hypothesized that complex visual stimuli would be more difficult to accurately estimate than simple visual stimuli. Additionally, I hypothesized that stimuli that were visually similar or displayed in spread out, distributed patterns would have more accurate estimations compared to visually random or closely grouped stimuli. Lastly, this study was designed to assess the combined effects of these visual features on numerosity estimation accuracy. Participants were asked to briefly look at images displaying groups of items containing these visual features, estimate the number of items displayed, and provide a confidence judgment based on their perceived accuracy. A 2x2x2 repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze the data. Analysis found that accuracy was increased by complex stimuli and improved when stimuli were displayed in spread out, distributed patterns. Similarity was not found to be a significant factor affecting estimation accuracy.
Recommended Citation
Harris, Keighly, "Complexity, grouping, and similarity: effects on numerosity estimations" (2024). Theses. 717.
https://louis.uah.edu/uah-theses/717