This is a calm cognitive exercise designed to strengthen your Approximate Number System (ANS) — the intuitive part of your brain that rapidly estimates quantities without counting.
Why does it help?
Decades of research show that our ANS plays a crucial role in early mathematical ability. Studies from cognitive neuroscience and developmental psychology link better ANS precision to stronger formal math skills later on. By briefly presenting quantities and asking for rapid judgments, this game helps keep your intuitive number sense sharp.
How is reaction time measured?
The reaction timer starts the very moment the balls first appear and stops when you make your choice. Even if you use "Show Again" to replay the same arrangement, that additional time is still counted — just like in real experimental setups that study decision latency.
Is there real proof?
Yes. For example, a 2013 study by Park & Brannon showed that training the approximate number system improves symbolic math performance. Other longitudinal studies have demonstrated a strong correlation between ANS acuity and later mathematics achievement.
Can I support this project?
This is a small, independent project offered freely, with no ads, to keep your experience focused and calm. If you find it helpful or interesting, you can help sustain it with a small donation. It truly makes a difference.