Neuroscience 2001 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 849.10 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | SUPERORDINATE AND BASIC LEVEL CATEGORIZATION DIFFERENCES IMAGED WITH FUNCTIONAL MRI. |
| Authors: |
Prasada, S.*1
; Cohen, Y. E.1
; Capasso, L. I.1
; Wessinger, C. M.1,2,3
1Pychological and Brain Sciences, Dartmouth College and Medical School, Hanover, NH 2Neurology, Dartmouth College and Medical School, Hanover, NH 3Psychology, Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, PA |
| Primary Theme and Topics |
Cognition and Behavior - Human Cognition and Behavior -- Other higher functions |
| Secondary Theme and Topics | Cognition and Behavior<br />- Human Cognition and Behavior<br />-- Language |
| Session: |
849. Human cognition and behavior: other higher functions IV Poster |
| Presentation Time: | Wednesday, November 14, 2001 2:00 PM-3:00 PM |
| Location: | Exhibit Hall SS-62 |
| Keywords: | FUNCTIONAL ACTIVATION, OBJECT CATEGORIZATION |
Competing cognitive theories of categorical representation are feature-based theory (FT) and structured-representation theory (ST). FT suggests that superordinate categories are represented by a subset of features of basic level categories. In contrast, ST suggests that superordinate representations contain variables not represented in basic level categories. In the present study, we used functional MRI to study neural substrates underlying categorization at basic and superordinate levels. Participants viewed easily-nameable objects and judged whether these objects (e.g. poodle) fit into either basic (e.g. dog) or superordinate (e.g. animal) categories. FT predicts that superordinate categorization should activate a subset of areas activated by basic level categorization, or the same areas at a lower level. ST predicts superordinate categorization should active areas outside those activated by basic level categorization. Preliminary data and analyses are consistent with ST: contrasting different levels of categorization resulted in greater superior parietal and medial frontal lobe activation for superordinate judgements, and greater posterior visual cortex and medial temporal lobe activation for basic level judgements. Further, these data indicate differential activations for animals and artifacts at the superordinate level persist in ventral visual cortex, suggesting perceptual, as well as domain-specific mechanisms are involved.
Supported by The McDonnell-Pew Foundation
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2001 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. San Diego, CA: Society for Neuroscience, 2001. Online.
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