Several studies have investigated the basic numerical skills in the human species, both from a phylogenetic origin and from cultural experiences. These investigations highlighted the role of numerical abilities in the acquisition and development of complex mathematical repertoires. The aim of this article was to offer some fundamental data about the acquisition of basic numerical skills, which are discussed from a behavioral point of view. The study is a broad review of the literature and starts on the description of external data to behavioral research, including number sense, subitizing and counting in order to present the proposal of numeric conceptual behavior. Some major behavioral works on these skills were also selected and described. Finally, some implications to research as well as to educational settings are offered.
basic numerical skills; number sense; subitizing; number concept; behavior analysis