Exam 9: Language and Thought

Correct Answer:

Answered by Examlex AI Copilot

The prototype and exemplar views of categorization are two different approaches to how we categorize and classify objects and concepts.

The prototype view suggests that we categorize objects based on a mental representation of the "typical" or "average" member of that category. For example, when we think of the category "bird," we might have a mental image of a small, flying animal with feathers and a beak. According to this view, we compare new objects to this prototype and categorize them based on how closely they resemble it. This approach allows for flexibility and allows for variation within categories.

On the other hand, the exemplar view suggests that we categorize objects by comparing them to specific examples or instances that we have encountered in the past. Instead of relying on a single prototype, we draw on a range of specific examples to make categorization decisions. For example, when categorizing a new bird, we might compare it to specific birds we have seen before, such as robins, sparrows, or eagles.

In comparing the two views, the prototype view emphasizes the importance of a central, average representation of a category, while the exemplar view emphasizes the role of specific examples and instances in categorization. The prototype view allows for more flexibility and generalization, while the exemplar view may be more sensitive to individual differences and specific experiences.

Overall, both views offer valuable insights into how we categorize and classify the world around us, and it is likely that a combination of both approaches is used in real-world categorization tasks.