This project investigated the neural mechanisms underlying spatial cognition, focusing on the shared cortical architecture between numerical magnitude and spatial working memory. By conducting extensive literature reviews and participating in fMRI analysis workshops (utilizing SPM for preprocessing), I examined findings suggesting that these functions overlap in the Intraparietal Sulcus (IPS). However, I identified a critical limitation in current experimental paradigms: standard tasks, such as the N-back Spatial Task, typically measure spatial variables on a flat 2D plane (x and y axes), neglecting the essential element of depth. This reliance on 2D stimuli fails to fully reflect how humans perceive the "magnitude" of real-world environments, implying that future research must incorporate depth and perspective to accurately map the biological basis of spatial information processing.
Key Takeaway: Through this research, I learned that while spatial memory and numerical magnitude are neurobiologically interconnected, current methodologies often lack ecological validity, highlighting the urgent need to introduce depth-related variables to understand how the brain truly encodes the complex geometry of our external environment.