Building Blocks
What is organized knowledge about the world called?
Semantic Memory.
What is the name for the "best example" of a category?
A Prototype.
How many examples does this approach use to define a category?
Numerous/All stored examples.
What is the term for a "generalized script" for an event or person?
A Schema.
This term describes logical conclusions not in the original stimulus.
Inferences.
This type of memory contains facts and language.
Semantic Memory (as opposed to Episodic).
True or False: A prototype must be a real, existing object.
False (it can be an idealized "average").
This approach is better for categories with ____ examples.
Few (or very diverse) examples.
Schemas help us _____ what will happen in a new situation.
Predict.
Inferences help us aid memory storage by doing what to items
Chunking them together.
General knowledge helps us perceive stimuli using this process.
Top-Down Processing.
This "effect" says we judge typical items faster than atypical
The Typicality Effect.
How does this approach differ from the Prototype approach?
It uses real examples from memory rather than one idealized average.
These can "distort" memories to match existing knowledge.
Schemas (or heuristics like alignment).
What type of processing do we use when we make an inference?
Top-Down Processing.
Semantic memory differs from this "personal" memory type.
Episodic Memory.
When asked to name a bird, why do people usually say "Robin"?
Because a Robin is closer to the category prototype than a Penguin.
Which approach is more flexible for "atypical" category members?
The Exemplar Approach.
A schema for a common event (like going to a cafe) is called a ____.
Script.
Inferences can be based on these common social generalizations
Stereotypes (like gender stereotypes).
Name a way general knowledge aids memory over time.
It organizes information so we can remember it better.
This level of categorization is the most useful and common.
The Basic Level (e.g., "Chair" vs. "Furniture").
Why might we use both approaches instead of just one?
Our brains use different systems depending on the category's size and complexity.
What is the main downside to relying too heavily on schemas?
They can lead to memory errors or stereotypes.
The "Joanna" exercise showed we make inferences about _____.
Intentions, emotions, or causes for behavior.