Semantic feature-comparison model
The feature-comparison model is a psychological theory of semantic memory hypothesised by Smith, Shoben and Rips (1974).
The theory proposes that concepts are formed of 'defining features' and 'characteristic' features. The former determines the meaning of the concept and the latter determines the typicality of the concept. Identification of concepts (e.g. see a cat and mentally determine that it is 'CAT') involves comparison of attributes between the stimulus and semantic memory.
Evidence
- Longer reaction times for atypical concepts results from a smaller overlap in attributes.
Problems
- Low ecological validity
- Does not account for fuzzy boundaries (unclear boundaries between concepts e.g. are bookends an item of furniture?)
- Limitation of category-membership judgements as a paradigm
- It is more likely that category membership is determined by family resemblance than by comparing lists of features
References
- Baddeley, A (1990). Human Memory. Welshpool, Wales: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
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