The concept describes the cognitive load imposed when individuals must mentally process numerical relationships, especially when comparing quantities or assessing proportions. For example, judging which of two fractions is larger places a greater demand on mental resources when the numbers involved are closer together in value, or have a smaller difference between them. Similarly, understanding a statistical comparison between two groups becomes more challenging when the ratio is near 1:1.
Understanding this cognitive burden is important for several reasons. First, it highlights potential sources of error in decision-making, particularly in fields reliant on statistical data, such as medicine, finance, and public policy. Recognizing this effect can help individuals and organizations develop strategies for presenting and interpreting numerical information in a way that minimizes cognitive strain. Historically, studies have revealed that ignoring this influence can lead to biased interpretations and flawed conclusions.
