SynthesisPsychonomic bulletin & review2026
Rational numbers: A systematic review and ALE meta-analysis of the neuroimaging of fraction and decimal processing in the brain.
Synthesis in Psychonomic bulletin & review, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
Mathematics knowledge is crucial for success in our society. Among the various mathematical areas, rational number knowledge is particularly significant for academic achievement. However, rational number knowledge is challenging, and many children and adults struggle with tasks involving fraction and decimal magnitude processing. In this study, we conducted a systematic review of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies to identify brain regions associated with fractions and decimals. Additionally, we synthesized fraction studies in an activation likelihood estimation (ALE) meta-analysis. A descriptive synthesis of studies showed that fractions and decimals are both associated with activation in the intraparietal sulcus and frontal regions. However, multivariate findings suggest that their neural representation is dissimilar. In addition, the ALE meta-analysis indicated that the IPS, the middle frontal gyrus, the middle temporal gyrus, and the precuneus are associated with fraction processing. These regions have been associated with higher order cognition, including inhibitory control and working memory, and nonsymbolic magnitude processing in previous studies. We discuss current limitations of the field, such as the small number of studies targeting decimal processing, suggesting directions for future studies.
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