JoVE Logo

Meld u aan

6.2 : Concepts and Prototypes

The human nervous system handles vast amounts of information by translating sensory stimuli into neural impulses, which the brain processes, creating thoughts expressed through language or stored as memories. The brain also synthesizes information from emotions and memories, which significantly influence thoughts and behaviors. This intricate process creates a comprehensive mental picture.

The brain organizes this information using concepts, which are mental categories grouping linguistic data, images, ideas, and memories. Concepts help us understand and relate different experiences, keeping our knowledge organized and accessible. For instance, learning U.S. history involves more than memorizing events; it means grasping broader concepts like justice, war, and democracy. Concepts can be abstract (e.g., justice) or concrete (e.g., members of Congress) and are shaped by our experiences and semantic memory. They allow us to generalize, associate, enhance memory efficiency, and guide reactions. For example, knowing that apples and oranges are both fruits helps us categorize and understand them better. Concepts are big ideas that are generated by observing details and categorizing and combining these details into the cognitive structure. They are informed by semantic memory.

The prototype model is a method psychologists use to explain concepts. A prototype is the best example of a concept shaped by early experiences or frequent encounters. For instance, if your first dog was a Golden Retriever, this might become your prototype for dogs. This model helps us quickly identify and categorize new information based on its resemblance to our mental prototypes.

Understanding concepts and prototypes is crucial for efficient cognitive processing, aiding memory, generalization, and our ability to relate experiences.

Tags

Human Nervous SystemSensory StimuliNeural ImpulsesThoughtsMemoriesEmotionsConceptsMental CategoriesU S HistoryJusticeWarDemocracyAbstract ConceptsConcrete ConceptsSemantic MemoryPrototype ModelCognitive ProcessingMemory EfficiencyGeneralization

Van hoofdstuk 6:

article

Now Playing

6.2 : Concepts and Prototypes

Thinking, Language And Intelligence

88 weergaven

article

6.1 : Introduction to Cognitive Psychology

Thinking, Language And Intelligence

409 weergaven

article

6.3 : Natural and Artificial Concepts

Thinking, Language And Intelligence

108 weergaven

article

6.4 : Schemata

Thinking, Language And Intelligence

59 weergaven

article

6.5 : Language

Thinking, Language And Intelligence

190 weergaven

article

6.6 : Components of Language

Thinking, Language And Intelligence

235 weergaven

article

6.7 : Language Development

Thinking, Language And Intelligence

311 weergaven

article

6.8 : Language and Cognition

Thinking, Language And Intelligence

318 weergaven

article

6.9 : Problem-Solving

Thinking, Language And Intelligence

127 weergaven

article

6.10 : Trial and Error and Algorithm

Thinking, Language And Intelligence

84 weergaven

article

6.11 : Heuristics

Thinking, Language And Intelligence

68 weergaven

article

6.12 : Reasoning

Thinking, Language And Intelligence

59 weergaven

article

6.13 : Decision Making

Thinking, Language And Intelligence

85 weergaven

article

6.14 : Critical Thinking

Thinking, Language And Intelligence

79 weergaven

article

6.15 : Creative Thinking

Thinking, Language And Intelligence

386 weergaven

See More

JoVE Logo

Privacy

Gebruiksvoorwaarden

Beleid

Onderzoek

Onderwijs

Over JoVE

Auteursrecht © 2025 MyJoVE Corporation. Alle rechten voorbehouden