Concepts and Prototypes

When asked to think of a bird, many people think of a robin. In this case, a robin is people's ____ for a bird.

• prototype

• concept

• creative idea

• convergent grouping

• cognition

What is a representative example of a concept?

• Images

• Symbols

• Concepts

• Prototypes

• Rules

A(n) _________________ is a mental grouping of similar objects, events, states, ideas, and/or people, etc.

• heuristic

• algorithm

• concept

We often form concepts by developing prototypes, that is,

• mental images of the best example of a concept.

• algorithms that build step by step to a larger concept

• ideas about what is opposite in nature to the concept

ONE OF THE FOLLOWING IS AN INCORRECT COMPLETION OF THE SENTENCE:

Prototypes fail

• when examples contradict our prototypes

• when the boundary between concepts is fuzzy

• when examples contradict our prototypes

• when they are not congruent with our moods

Prototypes are:

• A typical member of a category or mental grouping.

• a specific method for solving a problem.

• the ways words are arranged to make sentences.

• an algorithim.

In social studies, what is a prototype often used to represent?

• A typical example of a concept

• A historical event

• A geographical location

• A political theory

Which of the following best describes a concept in social studies?

• A mental grouping of similar ideas

• A specific historical date

• A geographical boundary

• A political leader

What role do prototypes play in understanding social concepts?

• They serve as a mental image of the best example

• They provide exact historical data

• They define political boundaries

• They list economic statistics

How can prototypes influence our perception of social groups?

• By creating a typical image of the group

• By providing detailed historical accounts

• By outlining political policies

• By listing economic resources