Disentangling the Research Literature on 'Number Sense': Three Constructs, One Name

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Disentangling the Research Literature on 'Number Sense': Three Constructs, One Name
Language: English
Authors: Whitacre, Ian, Henning, Bonnie, Ataba?, ?ebnem
Source: Review of Educational Research. Feb 2020 90(1):95-134.
Availability: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: http://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 40
Publication Date: 2020
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Number Concepts, Number Systems, Literature Reviews, Educational Research, Fundamental Concepts, Correlation, Social Sciences, Behavioral Sciences
DOI: 10.3102/0034654319899706
ISSN: 0034-6543
Abstract: In this article, we review research literature concerning number sense from several related fields. Whereas other authors have pointed to difficulty defining number sense or to some degree of inconsistency in the literature, we argue instead that this is a case of polysemy: three constructs given the same name. Our purpose is to clarify the research literature concerning number sense by naming and defining these three constructs, identifying similarities and differences among them, categorizing the research traditions associated with each construct, and summarizing the methods used and findings reported. We compare and contrast themes in each body of literature by drawing on a sample of 141 research articles that were focused on number sense. We find evidence that there is confusion of number sense constructs across research traditions. We emphasize the need for clarity in order for research in each of these traditions to progress.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2020
Accession Number: EJ1241931
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:In this article, we review research literature concerning number sense from several related fields. Whereas other authors have pointed to difficulty defining number sense or to some degree of inconsistency in the literature, we argue instead that this is a case of polysemy: three constructs given the same name. Our purpose is to clarify the research literature concerning number sense by naming and defining these three constructs, identifying similarities and differences among them, categorizing the research traditions associated with each construct, and summarizing the methods used and findings reported. We compare and contrast themes in each body of literature by drawing on a sample of 141 research articles that were focused on number sense. We find evidence that there is confusion of number sense constructs across research traditions. We emphasize the need for clarity in order for research in each of these traditions to progress.
ISSN:0034-6543
DOI:10.3102/0034654319899706