Ben likely uses mental categories called "schemas" or "prototypes" to differentiate between sports cars and family cars. Schemas organize knowledge, while prototypes are idealized examples, aiding quick recognition based on defining characteristics.
Ben is likely using mental categories called "schemas" or "prototypes." Schemas are cognitive structures in the mind that organize information and knowledge about certain concepts or categories. In this case, Ben's familiarity with sports cars and family cars allows him to have mental categories .
Prototypes, on the other hand, are idealized representations or typical examples within a particular category. Ben might have a prototype of a sports car in mind that embodies the essential features commonly associated with sports cars, such as sleek design, high performance, and speed
These mental categories and prototypes help individuals quickly identify, categorize, and differentiate between different objects or concepts based on their defining characteristics.