Categorization and Scripts

Categorization and Scripts

In cognitive psychology, humans use a basic unconscious cognitive process known as categorization to help them in their interactions and how they perceive life. Accordingly, categorization involves organizing ideas, events, and objects one encounters daily into collections of similar characteristics so that one can recognize and understand them. The two main categories or concepts are natural and artificial categories (Goldstein, 2014). Natural concepts are mental categorizations that develop out of one’s everyday experiences. For example, the concept of an elephant invokes a mental prototype or a generic image of what an elephant is based on the experience one has had regarding elephants. This means that natural concepts will most likely be imprecise because experiences vary from one person to another.

The second categorization, the artificial concept, refers to concepts defined by a specific set of rules or traits. An example can be illustrated through shapes. For instance, everyone knows precisely what a circle is, meaning these concepts represent precisely defined ideas. Further, the prototype theory states that people categorize things based on how similar things are to a specific example of that category (Geeraerts, 2006). An example is the concept of kindness; for instance, after one sees another person serving others selflessly, one may compare them and be reminded of a popular, kind person like Mother Teresa. In such a case, Mother Teresa becomes a prototype of kindness.

Schema is a psychological concept that aids in interpreting and comprehending one’s environment (Emmott & Alexander, 2014). It is a general framework; for example, when meeting new people, there is a schema of how the process should go and how to interact effectively. On the other hand, a script is a sequence of specific behaviors that are expected in a certain situation (Emmott & Alexander, 2014). A script I use daily is when brushing my teeth; the first step is putting toothpaste on my toothbrush, then pouring some water on the toothbrush, and then brushing my teeth. A second example of a script I use happens in the evening when I usually shower before changing into my pajamas and finally getting into bed. These scripts help me perform these tasks by making them somehow automated. I already know what and how to do them, so I rarely put much thought into them, which helps me think about other important things while doing these tasks.

References

Emmott, C., & Alexander, M. (2014). Schemata (Vol. 1, pp. 756-764). De Gruyter.

Geeraerts, D. (2006). Prototype theory. Cognitive linguistics: Basic readings, 34, 141-165.

Goldstein, E. B. (2014). Cognitive psychology: Connecting mind, research, and everyday experience. Cengage Learning.

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Categorization and Scripts

Explain categorization and the two main types of categories—natural categories and artificial categories. Describe how the prototype theory explains the formation of categories.

Explain the difference between a script and a schema. Describe two scripts you use to perform two different everyday activities. Explain why you think these scripts help you perform the tasks.