title: Comparing apples and pears in studies on magnitude estimations.
abstract: The present article is concerned with studies on magnitude estimations that strived to uncover the underlying mental representation(s) of magnitudes. We point out a number of methodological differences and shortcomings that make it difficult drawing general conclusions. To solve this problem, we propose a taxonomy by which those studies could be classified, taking into account central methodological aspects of magnitude estimation tasks. Finally, we suggest perspectives for future research on magnitude estimations, which might abandon the hunt for the mathematical model that explains estimations best and turn, instead, to investigate the underlying principles of estimations (e.g., strategies) and ways of their improvement.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Kassel Kassel, Germany.
authors.forename: Mirjam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ebersbach
authors.forename: Koen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Luwel
authors.forename: Lieven
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Verschaffel
keywords: estimation biases; magnitude estimations; mental representation; number line; symbolic and non-symbolic magnitudes