Baby's Innate Sense of Number (IMAGE) Duke University Caption Duke University neuroscientists Elizabeth Brannon and Ariel Starr test a rudimentary understanding of numbers in infants called a "primitive number sense." When looking at two collections of dots presented on video screens, primitive number sense allows the child to identify which set is larger even without verbal counting or knowing numbers. The length and direction of the child's gaze is used to infer their sense of novelty. Credit Brannon Lab, Duke University Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.