%0 Journal Article
%T Object-based neglect in number processing
%A Klein Elise
%A Moeller Korbinian
%A Zinsberger Daniela
%A Zauner Harald
%J Behavioral and Brain Functions
%D 2013
%I BioMed Central
%R 10.1186/1744-9081-9-5
%X Recent evidence suggests that neglect patients seem to have particular problems representing relatively smaller numbers corresponding to the left part of the mental number line. However, while this indicates space-based neglect for representational number space little is known about whether and - if so - how object-based neglect influences number processing. To evaluate influences of object-based neglect in numerical cognition, a group of neglect patients and two control groups had to compare two-digit numbers to an internally represented standard. Conceptualizing two-digit numbers as objects of which the left part (i.e., the tens digit should be specifically neglected) we were able to evaluate object-based neglect for number magnitude processing. Object-based neglect was indicated by a larger unit-decade compatibility effect actually reflecting impaired processing of the leftward tens digits. Additionally, faster processing of within- as compared to between-decade items provided further evidence suggesting particular difficulties in integrating tens and units into the place-value structure of the Arabic number system. In summary, the present study indicates that, in addition to the spatial representation of number magnitude, also the processing of place-value information of multi-digit numbers seems specifically impaired in neglect patients.
%K Number processing
%K Number magnitude comparison
%K Object-based neglect
%K Multi-digit numbers
%U http://www.behavioralandbrainfunctions.com/content/9/1/5