The cradle of categorization: Is the basic level basic?

摘要: Abstract A common assumption in the developmental literature is that earliest kind of conceptual categories to be formed are basic-level categories. corollary superordinate after, and out of, previously acquired Two experiments using an object-manipulation task explored these assumptions by studying response a variety children aged from 12 20 months. The first experiment examined responses (dogs vs. cars),superordinate (animals vehicles), contextual (kitchen things bathroom things). At all ages tested, performed best on but, even at months age, some were responsive By approximately half showed such sensitivity. second 16- 20-month-olds differentiated only when categorical contrasts taken different classes (e.g., dogs cars) not drawn same class horses). data suggest basic-levels formed. Instead, it appears may form more global categories, with differentiation occurring later.