In cognitive psychology, what is typically considered the first step in the process of categorizing information?

• A. Assigning labels to each category
• B. Memorizing all possible category members
• C. Identifying shared features among items
• D. Creating hierarchical category structures

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that categorization in cognitive psychology involves grouping items based on common characteristics to make sense of information efficiently.
2. Recognize that the first step is to identify shared features or attributes among different items, which allows the mind to see similarities and group them accordingly.
3. Note that assigning labels or creating hierarchical structures typically comes after the initial identification of shared features, as these steps depend on recognizing what items have in common.
4. Memorizing all possible category members is not the first step because it is impractical and not necessary before understanding the features that define the category.
5. Therefore, focus on how the mind detects commonalities among items as the foundational step in categorization.