Lecture 7 - Categorisation

Question 1

Define the difference between concrete and abstract categorisation.

Answer 1

See purple text on page 1 of G doc notes.

Question 2

Is abstract categorisation uniquely human? Describe studies that support either they are or aren’t.

Answer 2

Abstract categorisation was originally thought to be uniquely human, but many studies have proven this to be untrue - animals can do it too.
See purple text on page 1-2 of G doc notes for studies.

Question 3

Animals can abstractly categorise. Describe 3 different explanations for how they might be able to do this.
Provide studies where appropriate.

Answer 3

• Rote learning
• Feature learning
• Exemplar theory

Question 4

Animals can do abstract categories. How might we test whether they can do abstract thought (with what method)?

Answer 4

Same-different method (matching to sample method). See blue text on page 6-8 of G doc notes.

Question 5

Using the matching to sample method, can animals do abstract thought? Describe empirical evidence to debate this.

Answer 5

See blue text on page 8-12 on G doc notes.

Question 6

Read orange text on page 13 of G doc notes.

Answer 6

Understand?