The effects of preferred representations on some tasks using solid geometrical figures

Privileged (typical, basic-level) representations are cognitive representations in which figurative features play a significant part. We specifically consider studies on the conventional point of view in object perception (Palmer, Rosch, & Chase, 1981). We propose an analysis of solid geometrical problems in the field of typicality theory and more generally in the theoretical field of mental models. Applied to this geometrical domain, the analysis suggests that individual cognitive representations — corresponding with different points of view from which a figure can be seen — are more or less representative examples of the category, that is to say they correspond more or less with the mental model built by the subject in this domain. Task 1 emphasizes the most representative point of view for four solid geometrical figures chosen by the experimenter. Then, we analyse two tasks on each figure from both the typical and non typical points of view. Errors occur most frequently when the geometrical figure is seen from its non typical viewpoints. Particular attention should be paid to this factor in analysing errors made by subjects.     

Preferred representations and knowledge acquisition

European Journal of Psychology of Education - There are two kinds of preferential representations. They are connected on the one hand to the degree of typicality of the instance in relation to the...