Which of the following best describes the definitional approach to categorization in cognitive psychology?

• A. It classifies objects as members of a category if they meet a specific set of necessary and sufficient features.
• B. It proposes that categorization is based on the frequency with which an object is encountered.
• C. It argues that categories are formed through reinforcement and conditioning.
• D. It suggests that category membership is determined by comparing objects to a mental average or prototype.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand that the definitional approach to categorization involves setting clear criteria or rules that an object must meet to be considered part of a category.
2. Step 2: Recognize that these criteria are called necessary and sufficient features, meaning the object must have all these features to belong to the category.
3. Step 3: Contrast this with other approaches, such as the prototype approach, which uses an average representation, or the frequency-based approach, which relies on how often an object is encountered.
4. Step 4: Note that the definitional approach does not rely on reinforcement or conditioning, which are concepts from learning theory rather than categorization per se.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the definitional approach best fits the description of classifying objects based on a specific set of necessary and sufficient features.