Semantic feature-comparison model
Encyclopedia
The feature-comparison model is a psychological theory of semantic memory hypothesized by Smith, Shoben and Rips (1974). The feature-Comparison model was purposed in contrast to the semantic network approach that was purposed by Collins and Quillian. The feature-comparison model is much simpler than the Collins and Quillian network in its structure, however it is also more elaborate in its assumptions about retrieval as well.
The Feature-Comparison model proposes that humans semantic memory works by the use of feature lists. Feature lists assume that semantic memory is a collection of lists of semantic features, which are simple, one-element characteristics or properties of the concept.
An example that exemplifies the Feature Comparison model: When we (humans) think of a concept, like that of a robin, we unconsciously make a list of semantic features (for this example these would be things like animate, red-breasted, and feathered). These feature lists are then (unconsciously)ordered in terms of definingness, or priority, from top to bottom. The most defining features are located on the top of the list, while the lower features on the list are called the characteristic features, and they are features that are common but not essential to the meaning of the concept. In our example, the defining characteristics of a robin match the defining characteristics of a bird (animate, feathered, living), thus we are able to know that a robin is a bird. The more overlapping defining characteristics two things have, the quicker the retrieval will be between the two concepts. So when we are asked a question like "is a robin a bird?", we can quickly decide our answer and say yes because there are so many overlapping defining characteristics. These quick answers are called stage one responses. The reason that they are called stage one responses is because all that needs to be done to answer the question is a quick (still unconscious) feature comparison. If the two different things being compared are not so easily differentiated then a stage two comparison is needed. This stage two comparison is a comparison of defining features, in which a slower comparison is done with only defining features. An example of a question that would cause this would be "Is a chicken a bird", in which the reply is usually a slow "yes".
The Feature-Comparison model proposes that humans semantic memory works by the use of feature lists. Feature lists assume that semantic memory is a collection of lists of semantic features, which are simple, one-element characteristics or properties of the concept.
An example that exemplifies the Feature Comparison model: When we (humans) think of a concept, like that of a robin, we unconsciously make a list of semantic features (for this example these would be things like animate, red-breasted, and feathered). These feature lists are then (unconsciously)ordered in terms of definingness, or priority, from top to bottom. The most defining features are located on the top of the list, while the lower features on the list are called the characteristic features, and they are features that are common but not essential to the meaning of the concept. In our example, the defining characteristics of a robin match the defining characteristics of a bird (animate, feathered, living), thus we are able to know that a robin is a bird. The more overlapping defining characteristics two things have, the quicker the retrieval will be between the two concepts. So when we are asked a question like "is a robin a bird?", we can quickly decide our answer and say yes because there are so many overlapping defining characteristics. These quick answers are called stage one responses. The reason that they are called stage one responses is because all that needs to be done to answer the question is a quick (still unconscious) feature comparison. If the two different things being compared are not so easily differentiated then a stage two comparison is needed. This stage two comparison is a comparison of defining features, in which a slower comparison is done with only defining features. An example of a question that would cause this would be "Is a chicken a bird", in which the reply is usually a slow "yes".
Evidence
Evidence for Smith's Feature-Comparison Model come from his paper in which he asked people simple true/false questions and timed their decision time. The decision times matched predicted results for Smith's theories.Problems
- Low ecological validityEcological validityEcological validity is a form of validity in a research study. For a research study to possess ecological validity, the methods, materials and setting of the study must approximate the real-life situation that is under investigation. Unlike internal and external validity, ecological validity is not...
- 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 resemblanceFamily resemblanceFamily resemblance is a philosophical idea made popular by Ludwig Wittgenstein, with the best known exposition being given in the posthumously published book Philosophical Investigations It has been suggested that Wittgenstein picked the idea and the term from Nietzsche, who had been using it,...
than by comparing lists of features