Question

Prototypes

A. tell you what the most unusual member of a given category is.
B. show us what all members in a category must be like to fit that category.
C. represent the average concept for a given category.
D. are critical for understanding human emotions.
E. none of the above

Answer 1

The correct answer is C. Prototypes represent the average concept for a given category, providing a mental image that reflects the most typical characteristics of items within that category.

Step-by-step explanation:

Prototypes in cognitive psychology serve as the best example or representation of a concept within a given category. They act as a mental representation that encapsulates the most emblematic features of a category. For instance, if someone's first pet was a Golden Retriever, this specific breed may become their prototype for the category of dogs. This means that when they think of the term 'dog,' a Golden Retriever will likely come to mind first as it best fits their developed concept of what a dog is.

Answering the student's question, the correct option would be C. Prototypes represent the average concept for a given category. They are not necessarily the most unusual members of a category (option A) nor do they depict what all members must be like to fit into a category (option B). Although they are essential for organizing information and thinking, prototypes are not specifically critical for understanding human emotions (option D).