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Prototype Model Of: Category Structure

This document discusses prototype theory as an influential model of category structure from the 1970s. It proposes that categories are represented by central, prototypical members rather than strict definitions. Members are graded based on their similarity to the prototype using factors like attribute frequency, order of learning, and speed of verification. Categories exist at basic, superordinate, and subordinate levels defined by properties like common behaviors and part structures. While influential, prototype theory has limitations like oversimplifying features and not explaining mutual exclusivity between some categories.

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22 views

Prototype Model Of: Category Structure

This document discusses prototype theory as an influential model of category structure from the 1970s. It proposes that categories are represented by central, prototypical members rather than strict definitions. Members are graded based on their similarity to the prototype using factors like attribute frequency, order of learning, and speed of verification. Categories exist at basic, superordinate, and subordinate levels defined by properties like common behaviors and part structures. While influential, prototype theory has limitations like oversimplifying features and not explaining mutual exclusivity between some categories.

Uploaded by

izzul_125z1419
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Prototype model of

category structure
Alternative influential view in the 70s
It came out of empirical investigation
(psychology; E. Rosch and coll.)

Graded centrality
Not all member have the same status
Goodness-Of-Exemplar (GOE)
Scoring lists of putative members
People have no trouble scoring
Results are uniform (within communities)
Prototypes (prototypical members)

Prototype model of
category structure (Contd)
GOE correlates with
Frequency and order of mention
Order of learning
Family resemblance
Verification speed (below consciousness)
Priming (below consciousness)

Prototype model of
category structure (Contd)
Representation of conceptual categories
Prototype theory: Two versions (not

equivalent)
1. Represents concepts in terms of a list of
the attributes of members (but not
necessary and sufficient)
Centrality of an item depends on how
many relevant features it possesses
It could be that no member has all
prototype features
2. Similarity
Concept represented by an ideal
exemplar; membership and centrality
defined in terms of similarity to the
prototype

Levels of categorization
Categories occur at different levels of
inclusiveness
Living thing-animal-dog-spaniel

Basic level category


Superordinate level
Subordinate level
Not just a matter of

positions in the chain

Basic level categories

The most inclusive level

at which there are characteristic patterns of


behavioral interaction

for which a clear image can be formed


for which part-whole information is
represented (e.g., members of superordinate
artifactual categories TOOL or FURNITURE
dont have common part-whole structures)

used for everyday neutral reference

Basic level categories


(Contd)

Represent the best category into which the


immediate superordinate category can be
divided, in terms of:

Degree of difference between members of


the category and members of neighboring
categories

Internal homogeneity (degree to which


members resemble one other)

Informativeness

E.g., ANIMAL DOG SPANIEL

Prototype theory: some


problems

Simplistic nature of feature list

Contrasting categories

Best example can be influenced by context


Spoon: feature WOODEN lowers GOE if it is
small, but not if it is large

No explanation for the mutual exclusion


relation between categories such as CAT,
DOG, LION, CAMEL

Boundaries in prototype theory


Do they exist? (psychologically: yes!)

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