@inproceedings{54d304800d854d28bccb59a6bcc28ae9,
title = "Mechanisms of spatial learning: Teaching children geometric categories",
abstract = "Children's representations of geometric categories like triangles are often centered on a prototypical exemplar (e.g., an equilateral triangle). New cases are judged based on perceptual similarity to the prototype; such a strategy leads to systematic errors in categorization. Creating correct geometric categories requires children to move beyond a reliance on perceptual similarity and learn category-defining rules (e.g., a triangle is an enclosed, three-sided shape). In this research, we test whether a brief training experience using comparison could help three- and four-year-old children learn the category of triangle. Further, we ask whether different types of comparisons (within-category or between-category) support learning in distinct ways. The data indicate that both types of comparison fostered category learning, but that within-category comparisons promoted generalization to new exemplars whereas between-category comparisons reduced overgeneralization to non-exemplars. Furthermore, these effects were moderated by the perceptual similarity of the compared pairs. The results indicate that comparison can foster spatial category learning.",
keywords = "Analogy, Categorization, Comparison, Contrast, Education, Geometric Categories, Spatial Learning",
author = "Linsey Smith and Ping, \{Raedy M.\} and Matlen, \{Bryan J.\} and Goldwater, \{Micah B.\} and Dedre Gentner and Susan Levine",
year = "2014",
doi = "10.1007/978-3-319-11215-2\_23",
language = "English (US)",
isbn = "9783319112145",
series = "Lecture Notes in Computer Science (including subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics)",
publisher = "Springer Verlag",
pages = "325--337",
booktitle = "Spatial Cognition IX - International Conference, Spatial Cognition 2014, Proceedings",
note = "International Conference on Spatial Cognition IX, Spatial Cognition 2014 ; Conference date: 15-09-2014 Through 19-09-2014",
}