Macquarie University PSYC105 Report: Math Perception Study

This report replicates and analyzes a study by Marghetis, Landy, and Goldstone (2016) investigating the impact of mathematical knowledge on the perception of algebraic equations. The study, conducted within a psychology framework, explores the concept of symbolic thought and how it relates to the visual system's processing of mathematical notations. Participants were divided into syntax knowers and non-knowers and subjected to three experimental conditions involving color judgment and algebraic equivalence tasks with varying spacing. The results indicated that syntax knowers exhibited an advantage in detecting color changes in neutral and consistent spacing conditions, but this advantage disappeared in inconsistent spacing conditions. The study highlights the significant role of perception in mathematical understanding and the influence of factors like spacing. The report discusses the findings, limitations, and implications, referencing various studies on symbolic thought, perception, and mathematical cognition. It concludes that perception and notation systems have a strong correlation and are deeply affected by how the nuances in cognitive system are adapted for the process.