PSYCH 9B Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: Prototype Theory, Psych, Universal Grammar
Document Summary
2 main theories about how we learn meaning and reference. The full meaning of each word is captured by required set of features. All must be present to be classified as that word. Doesn"t capture the fact that some members are better exemplars of category than others. The member of a set or category that captures the greatest number of category features is used as word exemplar. Provides insight into how we conceive of certain ideas and objects. Ask people to say whether pictures are bird. People are quicker with typical than atypical members. Many words have no clear mental images and no prototype but still have meaning. We have to learn reference (that each word stands for something) We have to learn grammar (how to string words together to make sense) Rules mastered just like any new skill. Children cannot learn language only via experience. Children learn reference and grammar same way they learn other things.
