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Cognitive load privileges memory-based over data-driven processing, not group-level over person-level processing.

Authors :
Skorich DP
Mavor KI
Source :
The British journal of social psychology [Br J Soc Psychol] 2013 Sep; Vol. 52 (3), pp. 469-88. Date of Electronic Publication: 2012 Mar 27.
Publication Year :
2013

Abstract

In the current paper, we argue that categorization and individuation, as traditionally discussed and as experimentally operationalized, are defined in terms of two confounded underlying dimensions: a person/group dimension and a memory-based/data-driven dimension. In a series of three experiments, we unconfound these dimensions and impose a cognitive load. Across the three experiments, two with laboratory-created targets and one with participants' friends as the target, we demonstrate that cognitive load privileges memory-based over data-driven processing, not group- over person-level processing. We discuss the results in terms of their implications for conceptualizations of the categorization/individuation distinction, for the equivalence of person and group processes, for the ultimate 'purpose' and meaningfulness of group-based perception and, fundamentally, for the process of categorization, broadly defined.<br /> (© 2012 The British Psychological Society.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
2044-8309
Volume :
52
Issue :
3
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
The British journal of social psychology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
22449026
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2044-8309.2012.02099.x