Numerical cognition
Can We Do Number Research Online?
Open access · cc by · source: Europe PMC
Online browser experiments can reliably measure fine differences in human reaction times for numerical processing tasks, replicating classic laboratory findings.
Key findings
Both experiments successfully replicated classic laboratory findings online, demonstrating robust reaction-time differences. In Experiment 1, participants responded 86 milliseconds faster when physical size matched numerical size compared to when they conflicted. In Experiment 2, participants were 21 milliseconds faster when the brief prime digit matched the target's category, showing that complex cognitive effects like masked priming can be detected over the web.
Methodology
To test if web-based tools are viable for numerical research, the researcher conducted online replications of classic reaction-time experiments. In Experiment 1, 23 participants chose which digit was numerically larger while the font size was either congruent or incongruent with the number's value across 96 total trials. In Experiment 2, 72 participants judged whether a target digit was higher or lower than the standard number 5, preceded by an 83 millisecond masked prime digit across 256 experimental trials.
Limitations
This study cannot guarantee perfect timing control, as modern web browsers lack access to the exact refresh rates of participants' varying computer screens. It does not prove that online research is suitable for tasks where milliseconds of display deviation would disrupt the cognitive effect, such as very short-latency masked priming. Finally, because researchers cannot directly observe the remote testing environment, the design cannot completely rule out participants being distracted or multitasking during the tasks.
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