How do people choose among rational number notations?

Jing Tian; David W. Braithwaite; Robert S. Siegler

doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cogpsych.2020.101333

doi.org/10.1016/j.cogpsych.2020.101333

How do people choose among rational number notations?

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Cognitive Psychology2.60

Volume: 123, Pages: 101333 - 101333

Published: Dec 1, 2020

Abstract

Three rational number notations -- fractions, decimals, and percentages -- have existed in their modern forms for over 300 years, suggesting that each notation serves a distinct function. However, it is unclear what these functions are and how people choose which notation to use in a given situation. In the present article, we propose quantification process theory to account for people’s preferences among fractions, decimals, and percentages....