Representations of knowledge Flashcards
What is semantic dementia?
When a person gradually loses the ability to understand words and meanings, making it hard to recognize objects, faces, or even remember what words mean.
It affects how the brain processes language but doesn’t always affect speaking or memory right away
What is Mnemonic technique?
A method for improving memory - uses associations, patterns, or vivid imagery to help retain and recall information more easily
What is Propositional Representation?
A way of storing information in the brain as simple statements or ideas, like “the cat is on the mat.” It helps us understand and remember facts
What is Imaginal Representation?
When we store and recall information as images or visual memories, like remembering what a friend’s face looks like or imagining a scene in your mind
What is Rule-Based Representation?
When we store information using rules or principles, like “If it rains, take an umbrella.” It helps us understand how things work by following specific guidelines (problem-solving and decision-making)
What is Theory-based representation?
When we organize knowledge based on theories or concepts, like understanding how the world works through scientific principles or social beliefs, rather than just rules or facts
What is the amodal symbol system?
A way of representing information that doesn’t rely on any specific sensory form. Instead, it uses abstract symbols or concepts that can be understood independently of how they’re perceived (e.g., the concept of a “dog”, the word “justice” or reasoning: “If A, then B”)
(The theory has been challenged by embodied cognition and multimodalists)
What is the perceptual symbol system?
Representing knowledge in the brain using sensory experiences, like images, sounds, or smells.
It suggests that we think about concepts through the mental images and sensations we’ve had in the past
What is the Dual-Coding Theory (perceptual)?
Suggests that we process and store information in two ways: through images (visual) and through words (verbal).
Using both types of representation together helps us remember and understand better
What is Embodied cognition?
The idea that our thinking and understanding are influenced by our body and physical experiences.
It suggests that our thoughts are connected to how we move, sense, and interact with the world around us
What is the function of mirror neurons?
Help us understand and imitate the actions of others. They fire both when we perform an action and when we see someone else do it
What is the multimodal hypothesis?
Suggests that our brain processes information using different senses together (like sight, sound, and touch) to create a richer and more complete understanding of the world
What is the amodal hypothesis?
Suggests that the brain stores knowledge in abstract forms, independent of specific sensory experiences, meaning we don’t rely on senses like sight or touch to understand concepts
What is Conceptual knowledge?
The understanding of ideas, categories, and relationships between things, such as knowing what a dog is, what it looks like, and how it’s different from a cat.
Represented in two ways: Semantic networks and schemas
–> can lead to sterotyping
What is semantic networks?
Semantic networks are systems of connected concepts or ideas, where each concept is linked to others by relationships, like a web of meanings. For example, “dog” might be connected to “animal,” “pet,” and “barks.
Quillian (1966)
Critique:
Real-world concepts are dynamic and assuming that the links between the concepts are equally important
What are schemas?
Mental frameworks connecting related concepts based on prior knowledge and experiences, like knowing what to expect at a restaurant. Organized hierarchically and help guide behaviour
Rosch (1975)
Critique: can lead to stereotyping or confirmation bias
What are scripts?
A type of schema that represents a sequence of events or actions expected in a particular situation, like the steps you follow when going to a movie (buy tickets, find seats, watch the film)
Bower et al. (1979)
What is default values?
Automatic settings that are used unless you change them
People will infer that an object has the default values for its category, unless they explicitly notice otherwise (penguins as birds)
What is prototype theories? (abstraction theories)
Suggests that we understand concepts by comparing them to a “best example” or prototype.
For example, when you think of a bird, you might picture a robin, which is the prototype, even though other birds like penguins also fit the concept of a bird
What is exemplar theories? (Instance theories)
Suggests that we understand concepts by remembering specific examples or instances we’ve encountered.
For example, when thinking of a bird, you might recall various birds you’ve seen, like a robin, eagle, or pigeon, and use those examples to recognize new birds
What is rule-based structures of categories?
When we classify things based on specific rules or features. For example, a “bird” might be defined by rules like “has feathers” and “can fly.” If something meets these rules, it’s considered a bird, regardless of specific examples we’ve seen
What is theory-based structures of categories?
When we classify things based on a set of underlying principles or theories.
For example, the category “bird” might be understood not just by physical features, but by the theory that birds are animals that lay eggs and have evolved for flight.
It’s about understanding the broader concept behind the category
What is declarative knowledge?
Knowledge about facts and information, like knowing that Paris is the capital of France
What is procedural knowledge?
Knowing how to do something, like riding a bike or tying your shoes. It’s the kind of knowledge that involves skills and actions, often learned through practice
