Module 6 Flashcards
Prototype
Jerry is a parrot who I idealise, and he is what I picture when I think the category ‘birds’. He reflects the central tendencies of birds, such as screaming, biting and flying.
A central idealised member of the category that reflects a category’s central tendencies.
Is an abstract representation of the category.
Typicality effects
I am typically not equal in the minds of my enemies.
The idea that not all members of a category are created equal in our minds. Some are seen as more typical or representative.
Provides a window into the structure of our conceptual knowledge and reveals how our minds organise information around prototypical representations.
Prototype theory
The theory that my mental representations of birds center around Jerry as a prototype for birds. He serves as a reference point for processing future birds I encounter.
The theory that our mental representations of categories center around a prototypical member which serves as a reference point for cognitive processing of examples that match the prototype.
Prototypical members
Jerry is an idealised prototypical example of the bird category. He displays the most common features you expect of birds. All other birds are compared to him for quick referencing.
Members
Embody
Most
Broad
Examples
Reference points
Swift matching
Abstract idealised examples that embody the most common features of the category.
They serve as cognitive reference points for faster processing of typical examples matching the prototype
Exemplar models
I hoard all specific examples so I can use them as a categorisation archive when I see new examples.
Proposes that we store all the specific examples we’ve encountered.
When we observe a new example our mind matches it against other stored exemplars.
The model predicts that we rely more on familiar exemplars when categorising new examples.
Exemplars
A specific example is my previous neighbor Francois the chef. I categorise new neighbors relative to him.
Exact
X
Examples
Memorised to
Pinpoint
Labels
Assigned with
Relative
Similarity
Specific remembered examples of a category which we use to compare objects to in order to categorise them.
Levels of categorisation
Refers to the levels within the multi-layered hierarchy of categorization of our conceptual knowledge.
There are three main levels of categorization:
Superordinate level, basic level, and subordinate level.
Superordinate level
Superordinate level is the broadest, generalised, most inclusive level that encompasses diverse entities
For example; “animal”
Basic level
Mid-level that holds special status in our cognitive processes.
Basic level categories are the most frequently used in daily language and represent the most informative level of categorisation.
It strikes a balance between providing enough detail while avoiding being overly complex.
For example; “dog”.
Subordinate level
Subordinate level is the most specific level that provides the most detailed information and applies to smaller sets of entities.
For example; “Golden Retriever”
Heteronomous Morality
The heterosexual five year old sees rules as absolute and has black and white thinking. They believe gay people are wrong and will be absolutely punished through immanent justice. They see gay people as homewreckers, a consequence of their lifestyle.
One of two stages of moral development according to Piaget.
Ranges from ages 5 to 10
Rules are viewed as absolute and unchangeable
Wrongdoing always leads to punishment (immanent justice)
Moral judgments are based on consequences rather than intentions
Autonomous Morality
A 10 year old with stage 2 cancer of the autonomic nervous system. The child didn’t want any more hospital food even though outside food was against the rules, so they changed the social agreement with their parents. The parents considered that the child intended to eat, but wanted to be treated fairly.
The second of Piaget’s stages of moral development ranging from ages 10+
Rules are social agreements that can be changed.
Intentions are considered when making moral judgments.
Ideas of fairness and equality develop.
Preconventional Level
Two children live on level one. Another two live on level two. The level one children try to obey their parents so they don’t get punished. The two individuals on level two can understand that their parents see things differently to them.
OPIE
Occurs in childhood and has two stages of development.
Stage one is concerned with obedience and punishment. The focus is on avoiding punishment and obeying authority.
Stage two is individualism and exchange: a recognition that different individuals have different viewpoints.
Conventional Level
Two adolescents live on level 3. Two adults live on level 4. The two adolescents get along well and behave themselves. The two adults are policemen, which makes the teens bfocus on obeying the law.
Occurs during adolescence and adulthood two stages of development.
Stage three is concerned with being good to maintain relationships; good interpersonal relationships and conformity.
Stage four is authority in maintaining social order focusing on obeying laws and fulfilling one’s duty in society.
Postconventional Level
There are two adults on level five, and another two on level six. The couple on level five are advocates for individual rights, and see rules as changeable. The couple on level six have the universe at their feet, and try to be the people they’ve chosen to be.
Is reached by minority of adults and contains two stages.
Stage five is concerned with social contracts and individual rights. Involves the recognition that rules are social contracts that can be changed.
Stage 6 is universal ethical principles and the adherence to self-chosen ethical principles.
