Knowledge and Memory: How we conceptualize information

Overview Gist vs. Detail Pictorial Superiority Effect Concepts and Models of Knowledge –Semantic network models –Feature set theory –Exemplar theory

Memory for gist vs. detail We remember by extracting the meaning, not by retaining a literal record –This is true of pictures and text

Pictorial Superiority Effect (PSE) We remember pictures better than words –Both textual and auditory –For retrieval and spatial tasks Has a large capacity (Standing et al. 1970) Is stable over time (Nickerson 1968)

What are concepts? Mental representations of knowledge The fundamental basis of intelligent behavior What purpose do they serve?

4 Functions of Concepts 1.Allows for classification 2.Allows for communication 3.To learn other concepts 4.To create new concepts

How are concepts represented in the mind? Semantic network models- Quillian’s view Feature set theory Exemplar theory

Quillian’s Model Concepts are organized hierarchically and are connected by associations. Superordinate-subordinate relationships Assumption of cognitive economy

Problems with Quillian’s model Typicality effect:

Feature Set Theory Concepts are collections of features Defining features- Characteristic features-

Exemplar Theory Knowledge is specific past experience Memory is knowledge- situations requiring the knowledge will be determined by prior events