Semantic Memory

Semantic Memory
• Contains our encyclopedic knowledge (facts), language knowledge, and conceptual knowledge
• Influences our cognitive activities
• Required to read texts, find locations, solve problems, and in decision making
• Lets us code the objects that we encounter
• Allows inferences to be made based on decisions as to whether or not an item belongs to a category
Essential Component
Categories, according to research, (Schwarz, 1995) - are groups of information that belong together that helps us make sense of our world. Within each category is a concept as defined by Wisniewski in his 2002 research as representative of each category.
Let us look at a few examples to help clarify this:
Each of us has a variety of objects or images that define the category of an automobile. All of the objects can be called cars.
I have a variety of images that define my category of a home. All of these objects could be called a house.
There are 4 approaches to semantic memory.
1. The Feature Comparison Model: concepts are stored in our memory using a list of necessary features.
2. The Prototype Approach:each category is organized using the most idealistic item for that category.
3. The Exemplar Approach:Specific examples of a concept are learned first and then each new stimuli is categorized acording to how closely it resembles the specific examples.
4. Network Models: uses the interconnections of items.
Reference
Matlin, M.W. (2005),Cognition (6th ed.) Wiley and Sons