A theoretical position statement on mechanism underlying numerical cognition [Author Accepted Manuscript]

This theoretical statement addresses the lack of a homogenous understanding of what constitutes a "mechanism" in studies in numerical cognition. Despite the increasing focus on mechanisms in the field, ambiguity exists in how mechanisms are defined and interpreted. To address this, I propose a conceptual framework that outlines three levels of mechanisms: micro-, relational, and macro-level, that each correspond to different levels of mechanisms to understand associations in the research field of numerical cognition. The micro-level mechanisms refer to a process-oriented perspective. The relational level refers to a perspective with a focus on underlying associations between variables, and finally the macro-level mechanisms refer to theory-oriented perspectives. I hope that this framework will serve as a starting point for future dialogue, providing clarity and promoting consistency in the conceptualisation of mechanisms in the field. This research is funded by the European Union (SPATHS, grant number 101150769, under the HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF-01-01 call). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. reviewed acceptedVersion