The Right Tool for the Job: Information-Processing Analysis in Categorization

Abstract

Smith and Minda (2000) showed that mathematical approximations of several popular categorization theories could be fit equally well to the average "percentage of 'A' responses" in their meta-analysis of studies that used the 5-4 category structure. They conclude that the 5-4 category structure is not a useful paradigm for explaining categorization in terms of cognitive processes. We disagree with their conclusion, and contend instead that the problem lies with the data collection and analysis methods typically used to study categorization (in this and other category structures). To support this claim, we describe a recently completed study in which we collected and used a variety of converging data to reveal the details of participants' cognitive processes in a 5-4 category structure task.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 2001
Accession Number
ADA516277

Entities

People

  • Herbert Simon
  • Howard Richman
  • James J. Staszewski
  • Kevin A. Gluck
  • Polly Delahanty

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Cognition
  • Cognitive Science
  • Computer Programs
  • Data Analysis
  • Data Sets
  • Discrimination
  • Experimental Data
  • Information Processing
  • Instructions
  • Learning
  • Mathematical Models
  • Military Research
  • Models
  • Psychology
  • Simulations

Readers

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Psychometric Testing or Psychological Assessment.
  • Theoretical Analysis.