7. Representation and Organization of Knowledge

Declarative Knowledge

Knowledge expressed through words and symbols; includes personal history and math.

Procedural Knowledge

Knowledge that involves the steps for performing actions, like driving a car or writing.

Concept

Symbolic knowledge used to understand the world, often represented as single words.

Natural Categories

Categories that occur naturally, such as birds and trees.

Artifact Categories

Human-designed categories, like kitchen appliances.

Basic Level of Specificity

An optimal level of detail for categorization that maximizes distinguishing features.

Defining Features

Essential elements of a category; if a feature is missing, the item does not belong to that category.

Prototype Theory

Theory suggesting that concepts are represented by the average of previous examples.

Characteristic Features

Features that describe a prototype but are not essential for categorization.

Classical Concepts

Concepts easily defined through specific defining features, like the term bachelor.

Fuzzy Concepts

Concepts that are not easily defined and evolve around prototypes, like the concept of a game.

Core Category Model

A synthesis of theories that combines feature-based and prototype theories.

Theory-Based View

Understanding categories through implicit theories and explanations that recognize complexity.

Semantic Network Models

Models representing knowledge as concepts interconnected in a web-like structure.

Collins and Quillian’s Network Model

A hierarchical network that allows efficient retrieval of information about relationships among concepts.

Schemas

Mental frameworks that organize knowledge, creating meaningful structures.

Scripts

Sequences of events in specific contexts, such as steps in ordering at a coffee shop.

Characteristics of Schemas

Schemas include relationships between concepts, capturing causal relationships and fostering stereotypes.

Production Systems

A set of rules defining a procedure or skill, structured in an iterative manner.

Nondeclarative Knowledge

Knowledge encompassing perceptual, motor, cognitive skills, and simple associative knowledge like classical conditioning.

ACT-R (Adaptive Control of Thought)

A framework combining declarative and procedural knowledge within an information processing model.

Parallel Distributed Processing (PDP)

A model that represents knowledge through patterns of activation across networks., multiple operations all at once

Knowledge Representation

The various forms and influences on how knowledge is organized, distinguishing between declarative and procedural knowledge.

Learning and Memory

Understanding knowledge frameworks enhances our approach to learning and memory.