From Numerical Perception to Mathematics Anxiety: Insights from Neuroimaging Evidence

Simge Altınok; Metehan Çiçek

doi:10.65092/autfm.1789710

TR EN

Sayı Algısından Matematik Anksiyetesine: Nörogörüntüleme Bulguları Işığında Bir Bakış

Abstract

Bu derleme çalışmasında sayı algısının matematiksel yeteneklerin gelişimindeki rolü ve matematik anksiyetesinin nöral temelleri nörogörüntüleme bulguları ışığında incelenmiştir. Sayı algısı, çekirdek sayı sistemi ve sembole erişim sistemi gibi bilişsel alt yapılara dayanır ve beynin fronto-paryetal bölgelerinde temsil edilir. Matematik performansındaki bireysel farklılıklar; genel bilişsel faktörlerin yanı sıra sayı işleme, matematik kavram bilgisi ve matematik anksiyetesi gibi özel bilişsel faktörlerden etkilenir. Matematik anksiyetesinin sayısal görevler sırasında ortaya çıkan olumsuz duygusal tepkiler nedeniyle çalışma belleğini sınırlayarak performansı olumsuz etkileyebileceği düşünülmektedir. Nörogörüntüleme çalışmaları matematik anksiyetesi yüksek bireylerde amigdala, insula ve fronto-paryetal ağda işlevsel ve yapısal farklılaşmalar olduğunu göstermiştir. Bununla birlikte; matematik anksiyetesi ilişkili nöral farklılaşmaların eğitim, pratik ve emosyonel düzenleme müdahaleleri ile değişebileceği bulunmuştur. Matematik anksiyetesi ile sayı işleme süreçleri arasındaki ilişkilerin daha iyi anlaşılması, sayısal performansı artırmaya yönelik pratik ve eğitim temelli uygulama stratejilerinin geliştirilmesine katkı sağlayabilir.

Keywords

Sayı algısı, Zihinsel sayı doğrusu, Aritmetik, Matematik anksiyetesi, Sayısal pratik, İşlevsel manyetik rezonans görüntüleme (iMRG).

From Numerical Perception to Mathematics Anxiety: Insights from Neuroimaging Evidence

Abstract

This review examines the role of numerical perception in the development of mathematical abilities and the neural underpinnings of mathematics anxiety in light of neuroimaging findings. Numerical perception relies on cognitive systems such as the core number system and the symbolic representation system, and is localized in the brain’s fronto-parietal regions. Individual differences in mathematical performance are influenced not only by general cognitive factors but also by domain-specific factors such as numerical processing, mathematical concept knowledge, and mathematics anxiety. Mathematics anxiety is thought to impair performance by limiting working memory through negative emotional responses that arise during numerical tasks. Neuroimaging studies have shown functional and structural alterations in the amygdala, insula, and fronto-parietal networks in individuals with high mathematics anxiety. However, these neural alterations associated with mathematics anxiety have been found to be modifiable through interventions such as education, practice, and emotion regulation. A better understanding of the relationship between mathematics anxiety and number processing may contribute to the development of practice- and education-based application strategies aimed at enhancing numerical performance.

Keywords

Number perception, Mental number line, Arithmetic, Mathematics anxiety, Numerical practice, Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Neurosciences (Other)

Journal Section

Review

Authors

Simge Altınok
0000-0002-3247-6201
Türkiye

Metehan Çiçek ^*
0000-0002-8782-2191
Türkiye

Publication Date

March 27, 2026

Submission Date

September 25, 2025

Acceptance Date

January 27, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 79 Number: 1

DOI

https://doi.org/10.65092/autfm.1789710

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA69TH66PH

APA

Altınok, S., & Çiçek, M. (2026). From Numerical Perception to Mathematics Anxiety: Insights from Neuroimaging Evidence. Ankara Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Mecmuası, 79(1), 118-129. https://doi.org/10.65092/autfm.1789710

AMA

1.Altınok S, Çiçek M. From Numerical Perception to Mathematics Anxiety: Insights from Neuroimaging Evidence. Ankara Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Mecmuası. 2026;79(1):118-129. doi:10.65092/autfm.1789710

Chicago

Altınok, Simge, and Metehan Çiçek. 2026. “From Numerical Perception to Mathematics Anxiety: Insights from Neuroimaging Evidence”. Ankara Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Mecmuası 79 (1): 118-29. https://doi.org/10.65092/autfm.1789710.

EndNote

Altınok S, Çiçek M (March 1, 2026) From Numerical Perception to Mathematics Anxiety: Insights from Neuroimaging Evidence. Ankara Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Mecmuası 79 1 118–129.

IEEE

[1]S. Altınok and M. Çiçek, “From Numerical Perception to Mathematics Anxiety: Insights from Neuroimaging Evidence”, Ankara Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Mecmuası, vol. 79, no. 1, pp. 118–129, Mar. 2026, doi: 10.65092/autfm.1789710.

ISNAD

Altınok, Simge - Çiçek, Metehan. “From Numerical Perception to Mathematics Anxiety: Insights from Neuroimaging Evidence”. Ankara Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Mecmuası 79/1 (March 1, 2026): 118-129. https://doi.org/10.65092/autfm.1789710.

JAMA

1.Altınok S, Çiçek M. From Numerical Perception to Mathematics Anxiety: Insights from Neuroimaging Evidence. Ankara Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Mecmuası. 2026;79:118–129.

MLA

Altınok, Simge, and Metehan Çiçek. “From Numerical Perception to Mathematics Anxiety: Insights from Neuroimaging Evidence”. Ankara Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Mecmuası, vol. 79, no. 1, Mar. 2026, pp. 118-29, doi:10.65092/autfm.1789710.

Vancouver

1.Simge Altınok, Metehan Çiçek. From Numerical Perception to Mathematics Anxiety: Insights from Neuroimaging Evidence. Ankara Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Mecmuası. 2026 Mar. 1;79(1):118-29. doi:10.65092/autfm.1789710

Sayı Algısından Matematik Anksiyetesine: Nörogörüntüleme Bulguları Işığında Bir Bakış

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From Numerical Perception to Mathematics Anxiety: Insights from Neuroimaging Evidence

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