7. Semantic memory & stored knowledge

Question 1

Semantic dementia

Answer 1

A progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by gradual deterioration of semantic memory.

Question 2

Typicality effect

Answer 2

The finding that the time taken to decide a category member belongs to a category is less for typical than atypical members.

Kanariefågel (typisk) vs. Pingvin (atypisk) för kategorin Fågel

The typicality effect determines that it will take longer to decide that a penguin is a bird than that a canary is a bird

Question 3

Meta-analysis

Answer 3

A form of statistical analysis based on combining the findings from numerous studies on a given research topic.

Question 4

Category-specific deficits

Answer 4

Disorders caused by brain damage in which semantic memory is disrupted for certain semantic categories.

Question 5

Scripts

Answer 5

A type of schema relating to the typical sequences of events in various common situations (e.g. having a meal in a restaurant).

Question 6

Frame

Answer 6

A type of schema in which information about objects and their properties is stored.

Question 7

Stereotypes

Answer 7

Schemas incorporating oversimplified generalizations (often negative) about certain groups.

Question 8

Rationalization

Answer 8

A term introduced by Bartlett to refer to the tendency in story recall to produce errors conforming to the rememberer’s cultural expectations.

Question 9

Ecological validity

Answer 9

The extent to which research findings (especially laboratory ones) can be generalized to everyday life.