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Feature types and object categories: Is sensorimotoric knowledge different for living and nonliving things?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 August 2011

CARRIE A. ANKERSTEIN*
Affiliation:
University of Sheffield and Universität des Saarlandes
ROSEMARY A. VARLEY
Affiliation:
University of Sheffield
PATRICIA E. COWELL
Affiliation:
University of Sheffield
*
ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE Carrie A. Ankerstein, Universität des Saarlandes, Fachrichtung 4.3 Anglistik, Postfach 15 11 10, Saarbrücken 66041, Germany. E-mail: c.ankerstein@mx.uni-saarland.de

Abstract

Some models of semantic memory claim that items from living and nonliving domains have different feature-type profiles. Data from feature generation and perceptual modality rating tasks were compared to evaluate this claim. Results from two living (animals, fruits/vegetables) and two nonliving (tools, vehicles) categories showed that sensorimotoric features were important in object knowledge across both domains. In addition, significant cross-domain similarities and within-domain differences indicated that feature profiles were not determined simply as a function of the living and nonliving domain distinction. The current data support a model of semantic memory rooted in perceptual and motor processes with reduced salience for the “living/nonliving” construct.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2011

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