A prototype is a psychology explained

A prototype is a psychology, innit? This whole setup dives deep into how our brains chuck stuff into mental boxes, making sense of the world without us even realising it’s proper brainy. We’re talking about the mental shortcuts that help us figure things out, from what a “dog” looks like to who’s a “mate.”

From how we spot a familiar face in a crowd to why we might make snap judgments about people, the concept of a prototype is everywhere. It’s the mental blueprint we use to understand categories, making our cognitive processes slick and efficient. This exploration will unpack how these mental models are formed, how they influence our decisions, and why they’re so fundamental to how we navigate life.

Conceptualizing “A Prototype is a Psychology”

The assertion that “a prototype is a psychology” encapsulates a fundamental tenet of cognitive psychology: our understanding of the world is largely organized around mental representations that capture the most typical or characteristic features of a category. This perspective moves beyond simple definitions, suggesting that our internal models of concepts are not static but are dynamic, probabilistic structures that influence how we perceive, categorize, and interact with our environment.

It implies that the very essence of our cognitive processing, particularly in relation to categorization, is intrinsically linked to the prototype.Prototypes function as mental benchmarks, serving as the most representative examples within a given category. Instead of possessing a rigid set of defining attributes, we often compare new instances to these idealized prototypes. This comparison process allows for rapid and efficient categorization, even when an object or idea doesn’t perfectly match a strict definition.

The prototype acts as a cognitive shortcut, enabling us to make sense of novel information by relating it to our existing, well-established mental models. This is not merely an abstract theoretical construct; it profoundly shapes our everyday judgments and behaviors.

Prototype as a Mental Representation of Categories

Prototypes are not literal copies of specific instances but rather abstract representations that distill the commonalities across members of a category. They are characterized by a collection of features that are frequently observed and highly salient among category exemplars. When we encounter a new item, we assess its similarity to this internal prototype. Items that share more features with the prototype are more readily and confidently identified as belonging to that category.

This probabilistic approach allows for flexibility and accounts for the fuzzy boundaries often found in natural language categories.

Everyday Prototypes and Their Psychological Significance

The concept of prototypes is readily observable in countless aspects of daily life, influencing our perceptions and decisions. These mental archetypes are crucial for efficient cognitive processing, allowing us to navigate a complex world with remarkable speed.Here are some examples of everyday prototypes and their psychological implications:

• Birds: For many, the prototype of a “bird” might be a robin or a sparrow – small, feathered, with wings, a beak, and the ability to fly. While penguins and ostriches are also birds, they deviate significantly from this prototypical image, making them sometimes harder to categorize initially. This highlights how prototypicality affects the ease and speed of categorization.

• Furniture: A typical chair, with four legs and a back, often serves as the prototype for “furniture.” A beanbag chair or a floor cushion, while functionally furniture, might be less prototypical, demonstrating how variations from the core concept are still encompassed but with a degree of cognitive effort.
• Vehicles: A car is a strong prototype for “vehicle.” A bicycle or a boat, while also vehicles, are less prototypical and might require more conscious effort to place within the broader category, illustrating the graded nature of category membership.
• Fruits: An apple or an orange often represents the prototype of “fruit.” Avocados or tomatoes, despite being botanically fruits, are less prototypical in the common culinary sense, showing how cultural and functional aspects can shape prototypes.

The psychological significance lies in how these prototypes influence our expectations and judgments. We tend to assume that prototypical members of a category will possess its most salient features. For instance, we might expect a prototypical bird to sing and fly, and be surprised if it doesn’t.

Prototype Formation and Learning

The process by which we form prototypes is a continuous and adaptive learning mechanism. It is not an innate, fixed structure but rather emerges from our experiences with the world. As we encounter new instances of a category, our mental representation of that category is refined.The formation of prototypes involves several key psychological processes:

• Experience and Exposure: Repeated exposure to instances of a category is fundamental. The more examples we encounter, especially those that share common features, the stronger and more defined our prototype becomes. For instance, growing up in a region with many robins will likely solidify the robin as a strong prototype for “bird.”
• Generalization: We abstract common features from multiple exemplars. This involves identifying recurring attributes and disregarding idiosyncratic details that vary across instances. This abstraction allows the prototype to represent the category broadly.
• Reinforcement: Successful categorization reinforces the existing prototype. When our categorization based on a prototype is accurate and leads to appropriate actions or understanding, the prototype’s structure is strengthened. Conversely, consistent errors might lead to adjustments in the prototype.
• Learning from Exemplars: While prototypes are abstract, they are also influenced by the specific exemplars we encounter. Highly salient or frequently experienced exemplars can disproportionately shape the prototype. For example, if a particular model of car is extremely popular, it might become a very strong prototype for “car.”

This ongoing process of learning and refinement ensures that our mental categories remain relevant and functional as we gather new information and adapt to changing environments. The psychological significance of this formation process is that it allows for cognitive flexibility, enabling us to learn and categorize efficiently throughout our lives.

Prototypes in Cognitive Processes

The concept of a prototype is not merely an abstract psychological construct; it serves as a foundational element in how our minds navigate and make sense of the world. This section delves into the practical applications of prototypes within cognitive processes, examining their integral role in categorization, decision-making, and the broader efficiency of information processing.

Prototypes in Categorization and Decision-Making

Prototypes act as cognitive benchmarks, simplifying the complex task of organizing information. When we encounter a new object or situation, our minds quickly compare it to existing prototypes within our conceptual categories. This comparison allows for rapid assignment to a category, influencing subsequent judgments and actions. The degree to which an item resembles a prototype often dictates its perceived typicality, which in turn affects how readily it is identified and how confidently decisions are made about it.

For instance, a robin is more readily identified as a “bird” than a penguin because it aligns more closely with the prototypical features of a bird (e.g., ability to fly, song, size). This prototypicality effect extends to decision-making; decisions about members that are highly prototypical of a category are often made more quickly and with greater confidence than those concerning less prototypical members.

Comparison of Prototype Theory with Exemplar Theory

While prototype theory posits that we represent categories by a single, abstract average or “best example,” exemplar theory suggests that we store multiple specific examples (exemplars) of a category. This distinction has significant implications for how we categorize and learn.

Feature	Prototype Theory	Exemplar Theory
Representation	A single, abstract average of category members.	Multiple specific instances of category members.
Categorization Process	Compare new items to the abstract prototype.	Compare new items to stored exemplars and determine similarity.
Flexibility	Less flexible for categories with high variability or distinct sub-types.	More flexible, can account for subclasses and nuances within a category.
Efficiency	More efficient for large categories with clear typicality gradients.	Potentially less efficient for very large categories due to memory load.
Learning	Focuses on extracting common features.	Focuses on learning specific instances and their associated features.

For example, when categorizing “furniture,” a prototype theory might rely on an abstract concept of a chair with legs and a back. An exemplar theory, however, might store specific examples like a dining chair, an armchair, and a stool, and categorize a new item based on its similarity to these stored exemplars. Research suggests that both theories likely play a role, with prototype theory being more dominant for broad categories and exemplar theory for more specific or variable ones.

Cognitive Benefits of Using Prototypes

The reliance on prototypes offers substantial cognitive advantages, primarily centered on efficiency and the reduction of cognitive load. By abstracting a central tendency or “best fit” for a category, the brain avoids the overwhelming task of storing and retrieving every single instance of every concept. This heuristic approach allows for rapid identification and decision-making, freeing up cognitive resources for more complex tasks.

• Speed of Processing: Identifying an item as a prototype allows for immediate inference of its likely properties, bypassing detailed feature analysis.
• Generalization: Prototypes facilitate generalization from known examples to new, similar instances, enabling us to understand novel stimuli without extensive prior experience.
• Predictive Power: The prototypical features of a category often carry strong predictive information, allowing us to anticipate characteristics of new members.
• Memory Efficiency: Storing a single prototype is far more economical than storing countless individual exemplars, especially for categories with a vast number of members.

Hypothetical Experiment on Prototype Influence on Recall

To investigate the influence of prototypes on memory recall, a hypothetical experiment could be designed as follows: Objective: To determine if prototypical members of a category are recalled more accurately or frequently than less prototypical members. Participants: A group of 100 adults, screened for normal cognitive function. Materials:

• A list of 20 animal names, divided into two groups: 10 prototypical (e.g., dog, cat, bird, fish, horse) and 10 less prototypical (e.g., platypus, sloth, armadillo, hedgehog, penguin). These animals would be pre-rated for prototypicality by an independent group.
• A set of images corresponding to each animal name.
• A recall test sheet.

Procedure:

1. Participants would be presented with a series of images, one at a time, for 5 seconds each.
2. After each image, they would be shown the corresponding animal name and asked to categorize it (e.g., “Is this a mammal?”). This task is designed to ensure active engagement with the stimuli.
3. Following the presentation of all 20 images and names, participants would be given a 15-minute distractor task (e.g., a simple arithmetic puzzle) to prevent rehearsal.
4. Finally, participants would be asked to recall as many animal names as they could from the list presented. They would be given 5 minutes for this recall task.

Data Analysis:The number of correctly recalled animal names would be tallied for each participant. The mean number of recalled names for the prototypical group would be compared to the mean number of recalled names for the less prototypical group using a paired t-test. Hypothesized Outcome: It is hypothesized that participants will recall a significantly higher number of prototypical animal names compared to less prototypical animal names, supporting the notion that prototypes are more salient and accessible in memory.

For instance, if participants recall an average of 8 out of 10 prototypical names but only 5 out of 10 less prototypical names, this would provide strong evidence for the prototype effect on recall.

Prototypes in Social Psychology

In the intricate tapestry of social interaction, prototypes serve as cognitive shortcuts, profoundly influencing how we categorize and understand individuals and groups. These mental representations, built from shared experiences and cultural narratives, provide a framework for interpreting social reality, often leading to swift, albeit sometimes biased, judgments. Understanding the role of prototypes is crucial for dissecting the mechanisms behind social perception, prejudice, and group dynamics.Prototypes in social psychology function as idealized, often simplified, mental models of categories.

They are not necessarily the most common or average members of a group, but rather those that best embody the defining characteristics associated with that category. This abstraction allows for efficient processing of complex social information, enabling us to make sense of the world by fitting new individuals and situations into pre-existing cognitive structures.

Social Prototypes and Perception Shaping

Social prototypes are instrumental in shaping our perceptions of social groups and individuals by providing a readily accessible template for understanding who belongs to which category and what characteristics are expected of them. When we encounter someone, our minds quickly assess their features against these prototypes. This process is largely automatic and unconscious, leading to rapid categorization and the activation of associated beliefs and expectations.

The perceived similarity of an individual to a group’s prototype dictates the extent to which they are seen as a “true” member of that group and influences how their behavior is interpreted.

Examples of Social Prototypes and Stereotyping Impact

Social prototypes are deeply intertwined with stereotyping, serving as the cognitive bedrock upon which stereotypes are built and maintained. These prototypes often represent exaggerated or oversimplified notions of group characteristics. For instance, a common prototype for a “scientist” might include traits like intellectualism, introversion, and a specific appearance (e.g., glasses, lab coat), regardless of the actual diversity within the scientific community.

Similarly, prototypes for various ethnic or national groups can be heavily influenced by media portrayals and historical narratives, often leading to the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes.Consider the prototype of a “leader.” This might evoke images of assertiveness, charisma, and decisiveness. If an individual displays these traits, they are more likely to be perceived as a leader, even if their actual leadership skills or effectiveness are debatable.

Conversely, someone who leads in a more collaborative or less overtly assertive manner might struggle to be recognized as a leader if they deviate from the established prototype. This can lead to missed opportunities and the underestimation of diverse leadership styles. The impact is evident in hiring practices, political discourse, and everyday social judgments, where adherence to or deviation from a prototype can significantly alter how an individual is perceived and treated.

Prototypicality in Social Contexts

The concept of “prototypicality” within social contexts refers to the degree to which an individual or instance is perceived to represent the ideal or typical member of a social category. An individual high in prototypicality is seen as a strong exemplar of their group, embodying its core perceived attributes. This is not a static measure but is context-dependent and can be influenced by the specific social situation and the salient features of the group in question.

For example, in a discussion about a particular hobby, someone who demonstrates exceptional skill and knowledge in that hobby would be considered highly prototypical of enthusiasts for that hobby.This perceived prototypicality has significant implications. Individuals who are highly prototypical are often seen as more credible representatives of their group, and their opinions may carry more weight within discussions related to that group.

Conversely, individuals perceived as less prototypical might be seen as outliers or less representative, potentially leading to their views being marginalized or dismissed. This can create challenges for individuals who do not conform to dominant group norms or expectations, even if they are otherwise valuable members of the group.

Perceived Prototypicality and Social Influence

Perceived prototypicality exerts a powerful influence on social influence and conformity. Individuals who are seen as highly prototypical of a group are often more persuasive and have a greater capacity to influence the attitudes and behaviors of others within that group. This is because their actions and opinions are seen as aligning with the group’s norms and values, making them a credible source of information and a role model for desired behavior.

When a highly prototypical member advocates for a particular course of action or expresses a certain opinion, others are more likely to follow suit to maintain group cohesion and validate their own group membership.Conversely, individuals who are less prototypical may find it harder to exert influence. Their deviations from the group’s perceived norm might lead others to question their loyalty or commitment to the group, thus diminishing their persuasive power.

The idea that a prototype is fundamentally a psychology is not new; it echoes through a history of modern psychology , tracing the evolution of how we understand human cognition and behavior. This foundational understanding solidifies the notion that a prototype is indeed a core psychological construct.

This dynamic can lead to pressure to conform, as individuals may adjust their behavior and beliefs to align more closely with the perceived prototype to gain acceptance and influence within the group. The desire to be seen as a “true” member, or to gain the perceived authority of a prototypical member, can thus drive conformity.

Prototypes in Development and Learning

The journey of understanding the world for a developing mind is intrinsically linked to the formation and refinement of prototypes. From the earliest stages of life, infants and children actively engage in categorizing their experiences, gradually building mental representations that serve as the bedrock for more complex cognitive processes. This section delves into the dynamic interplay between developmental trajectories and the establishment of prototypic concepts.The acquisition of prototypes in childhood is not a passive reception of information but an active, iterative process of observation, interaction, and generalization.

Children learn by encountering instances of categories and, through repeated exposure and feedback, distill the essential features that define them. This continuous refinement is crucial for navigating an increasingly complex environment and for efficient information processing.

Children’s Acquisition and Refinement of Prototypes

Children’s initial understanding of categories is often broad and inclusive, gradually becoming more specific and accurate as they gather more data. This process involves a constant dance between assimilation, where new information is fitted into existing prototypes, and accommodation, where existing prototypes are modified to accommodate novel or conflicting experiences. For example, a child’s early prototype for “dog” might include any four-legged furry creature, but with exposure to cats, birds, and other animals, the prototype for “dog” becomes more refined, excluding non-canine features.This refinement is significantly influenced by the typicality of exemplars encountered.

Children are more likely to learn the core features of a category from highly representative examples. However, exposure to less typical, or even atypical, instances plays a vital role in strengthening the boundaries and flexibility of these prototypes.

Brain Representation and Updating of Prototypes

The neural mechanisms underlying prototype formation and updating are complex, involving distributed networks across the brain. Research suggests that the brain represents prototypes as patterns of activation across various neural ensembles. When a new stimulus is encountered, it is compared against these existing patterns. If the stimulus closely matches a prototype, it is readily categorized. If it deviates, the brain attempts to either fit it into an existing category with some modification or create a new category altogether.The updating of prototypes is a continuous process, often driven by prediction errors.

When an experience contradicts an existing prototype, the brain revises the prototype to better account for the new information. This dynamic updating allows for cognitive flexibility and adaptation. For instance, learning about different breeds of dogs, some of which might look quite different from the initial “golden retriever” prototype a child might have, leads to a broader and more robust “dog” prototype.

Learning Sequence Leveraging Prototype-Based Learning, A prototype is a psychology

A structured learning sequence can effectively harness the power of prototype-based learning to foster deeper understanding and retention. This approach prioritizes introducing highly typical examples first, allowing learners to establish a strong foundational prototype, before gradually introducing more varied and atypical exemplars to refine and expand the category.

1. Introduction of Typical Exemplars: Begin with clear, unambiguous examples that embody the core features of a concept. For instance, when teaching about “birds,” start with sparrows or robins, highlighting features like feathers, wings, and beaks.
2. Guided Exploration of Variation: Introduce variations within the category. Show different breeds of dogs, emphasizing shared canine traits while acknowledging differences in size, color, and fur type.
3. Presentation of Atypical Exemplars: Introduce instances that challenge the initial prototype but still belong to the category. For example, showing a penguin or an ostrich when discussing “birds” can highlight that not all birds fly and that the prototype for “bird” is more inclusive than initially perceived.
4. Comparative Analysis: Encourage learners to compare and contrast different exemplars, identifying both commonalities that reinforce the prototype and differences that delineate subcategories or boundaries.
5. Active Application and Feedback: Provide opportunities for learners to apply their understanding by categorizing new examples and receiving feedback, which further refines their prototypes.

Scenario: Modifying a Prototype with Atypical Examples

Consider a child named Leo who has developed a prototype for “fruit” based on common examples like apples, bananas, and oranges. His prototype likely includes features such as sweetness, a peel, and being typically eaten as a snack.One day, Leo’s grandmother offers him a tomato. Initially, Leo might be confused. He knows tomatoes grow on plants, like other fruits, but they are often used in savory dishes and don’t always fit his “sweet snack” expectation.

This atypical example challenges his existing prototype.His grandmother explains that botanically, tomatoes are fruits because they develop from the flower of a plant and contain seeds. She might then offer him a slice of a ripe, sweet heirloom tomato, allowing him to taste its sweetness, or show him how it’s used in a fruit salad alongside berries. This exposure, coupled with the explanation, forces Leo to revise his prototype.

He learns that while sweetness is a common feature, it’s not a defining one for all fruits, and that fruits can also be savory and have diverse culinary uses. His prototype for “fruit” expands to accommodate these new characteristics, becoming more robust and less rigid.

Applications and Implications of Prototype Thinking

Prototype theory, as explored through its presence in cognitive processes, social interactions, and developmental stages, offers a powerful lens through which to understand human perception, categorization, and behavior. This framework extends beyond theoretical discourse, finding tangible applications and significant implications across various domains, from creative design to the nuanced understanding of mental well-being. Examining these practical facets reveals the profound influence of prototype thinking on our daily lives and the potential it holds for future innovation and insight.The utility of prototype thinking is particularly evident in fields that rely on iterative development and user-centric design.

By understanding how individuals form and utilize mental prototypes, designers and developers can create products and experiences that resonate more effectively with target audiences. This understanding is not merely about aesthetics or functionality; it delves into the core of how users perceive and interact with the world around them, allowing for more intuitive and impactful creations.

Prototypes in Design Thinking and Product Development

Design thinking and product development are deeply rooted in the concept of prototypes, both as tangible models and as conceptual frameworks for understanding user needs. The iterative process of design often begins with identifying a core problem or user need, which is then conceptualized as a preliminary prototype – an initial idea or sketch representing a potential solution. This early conceptual prototype serves as a shared understanding within a design team, guiding subsequent development.

As the design progresses, physical or digital prototypes are created, ranging from low-fidelity wireframes and mockups to high-fidelity, functional versions. These tangible prototypes allow for user testing, where feedback is gathered to refine the design. The underlying principle is that users will compare these new prototypes against their existing mental prototypes of similar products or services. A successful design often aligns closely with, or subtly improves upon, these established mental models, leading to easier adoption and greater user satisfaction.

Conversely, designs that deviate too drastically from established prototypes without clear justification can lead to confusion and resistance.For instance, the development of a new smartphone application often follows this path. Initial wireframes act as conceptual prototypes, mapping out user flows and core features. These are then translated into interactive mockups, which serve as more concrete prototypes for early user testing.

Feedback from these tests informs revisions, leading to a more polished prototype that closely resembles the final product. The success of an app like a ride-sharing service, for example, was partly due to its prototype effectively mirroring and enhancing the user’s existing prototype of “hailing a taxi,” but with added digital conveniences.

Improving Communication and Understanding through Prototypes

The concept of prototypes provides a powerful mechanism for enhancing communication and understanding, particularly when discussing abstract ideas or complex systems. When individuals share a common prototype for a concept, their communication becomes more efficient and less prone to misinterpretation. This shared prototype acts as a mental shortcut, allowing for the rapid transfer of information and the establishment of common ground.

In professional settings, clearly defined prototypes, whether visual aids, functional models, or even well-articulated conceptual frameworks, can bridge gaps between diverse teams, such as engineers, marketers, and end-users. By presenting a prototype, one is not just showing an object or idea, but also implicitly communicating a set of expected features, behaviors, and relationships that align with the audience’s existing mental models.Consider the communication challenges in scientific research.

When a scientist presents a model or a simulation, they are essentially offering a prototype of a complex phenomenon. Other scientists, familiar with established prototypes in that field, can quickly grasp the core concepts, identify potential flaws, and suggest improvements. Similarly, in educational contexts, using visual aids like diagrams or physical models serves as prototypes that help students understand abstract concepts like atomic structure or historical events more concretely.

The effectiveness of these communication tools hinges on their ability to tap into and refine the learners’ existing prototypes.

Potential Biases from Rigid Adherence to Prototypes

While prototypes offer efficiency in cognition and communication, a rigid adherence to them can introduce significant biases. When individuals rely too heavily on their existing prototypes and fail to update them or consider alternatives, they can fall prey to confirmation bias, stereotyping, and a lack of creativity. This can manifest as resistance to new information that contradicts a well-established prototype, or the tendency to categorize new experiences or individuals based on superficial resemblances to existing prototypes, overlooking crucial differences.

This can lead to premature judgments and hinder objective evaluation.A classic example of this bias can be observed in hiring processes. If a hiring manager has a strong prototype for an “ideal employee” based on past successful hires, they might unconsciously favor candidates who fit this prototype, even if other candidates possess different, yet equally valuable, skill sets or perspectives.

This can lead to a lack of diversity within organizations and the overlooking of exceptional talent that doesn’t conform to the established mental model. Similarly, in social interactions, rigid prototypes of social groups can perpetuate stereotypes and prejudice, as individuals may fail to see the unique characteristics of individuals within those groups, instead fitting them into pre-conceived mental boxes.

Implications of Prototype Theory for Understanding Mental Health Conditions

Prototype theory offers a valuable framework for understanding and potentially addressing certain mental health conditions. Many psychological disorders can be viewed, in part, as conditions where an individual’s mental prototypes are either distorted, overly rigid, or fail to adapt to new experiences. For example, in anxiety disorders, individuals might develop a prototype of the world as inherently dangerous or threatening.

This prototype can lead to hypervigilance and an overestimation of threat in neutral situations, reinforcing the distorted prototype through negative experiences.In depressive disorders, individuals might develop a prototype of themselves as inadequate or unlovable. This internal prototype can color their interpretation of social interactions and personal achievements, leading them to discount positive feedback and focus on perceived failures, thus perpetuating the depressive state.

For conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), the prototypes related to contamination, harm, or orderliness can become excessively rigid and intrusive, driving compulsive behaviors aimed at reducing anxiety associated with deviations from these prototypes. Understanding these distorted or rigid prototypes can inform therapeutic interventions, aiming to help individuals challenge and reconstruct more adaptive mental models. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) often works by identifying and modifying maladaptive thought patterns and beliefs, which are essentially distorted or rigid prototypes, to foster more balanced and realistic perceptions of self and the world.

Last Point

So, the long and short of it is, a prototype is a psychology, and it’s pretty much running the show behind the scenes. Whether we’re making sense of the world, sizing up social situations, or even learning new stuff, these mental shortcuts are key. Understanding them helps us see why we think the way we do and how we can sometimes get it a bit wrong, but ultimately, it’s all about making life a bit easier for our brains.

Question Bank

What’s the main idea of a prototype in psychology?

Basically, it’s the most typical or representative example of a category that we hold in our minds. It’s like the mental image that pops into your head when you think of something, say, a “bird” – you’re probably thinking of a robin or a sparrow, not a penguin.

How do prototypes help us process information faster?

Because they give us a ready-made template for a category. Instead of comparing every new thing to every single example we’ve ever seen, we just check if it fits our prototype. This saves loads of mental energy and speeds things up.

Can prototypes lead to unfair judgments?

Yeah, definitely. If our prototype for something is too narrow or based on limited experience, we might unfairly judge things that don’t fit perfectly. This is where stereotyping can creep in, especially with social groups.

How do kids learn about prototypes?

They learn through experience and exposure. As they see more examples of a category, their mental prototype gets refined. Initially, it might be quite basic, but it gets more nuanced as they grow and learn.

Is prototype theory the only way we understand concepts?

Nah, it’s not. There’s also exemplar theory, which suggests we store and compare new information to specific examples we’ve encountered, rather than just a general prototype. Both play a part in how we grasp concepts.