Numerosity discrimination: both time and number matter

Abstract

Pigeons were trained on a psychophysical choice task to discriminate between 2 fixed ratios and tested with probe ratios intermediate to the training requirements. Absolute and relative ratio size were varied over conditions. In a final condition, subjects were transferred from the number-based discrimination to a time-based discrimination. The times taken to emit the ratios were recorded, and ratio value and ratio time were used to predict choice in a multiple regression analysis. Psychophysical analyses of the response number dimension suggested a scalar counting principle of numerosity discrimination, similar to that found with temporal dimensions. The multiple regression analysis indicated that both number and time contributed to the discrimination of ratio value. The results of the transfer test indicated individual differences in the degree to which responding was controlled by temporal versus numerical factors.