The effect of time pressure and the spatial integration of the stimulus dimensions on overall similarity categorization

Fraser Milton, Lotta Viika, Holly Henderson, Andy J. Wills

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

A free classification study is presented in which the effect of time pressure and the spatial integration of the stimulus dimensions on overall similarity sorting is investigated. A 2 x 2 between-subjects factorial design was employed with the factors being the level of time pressure (high/low) and the spatial integration of the stimulus dimensions (high/low). The results showed, consistent with Milton and Wills (2004), that spatially separable stimuli resulted in a greater level of overall similarity sorting than more spatially integrated dimensions. Furthermore, participants under low time pressure produced a greater level of overall similarity sorting than those under high time pressure, consistent with Milton, Longmore and Wills (2008). Critically, there was also a significant interaction between time pressure and the level of spatial integration, with the integration effect being greater under low time pressure than under high time pressure. These findings provide support for the idea that overall similarity sorting can be the result of an effortful, deliberative process.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationExpanding the Space of Cognitive Science - Proceedings of the 33rd Annual Meeting of the Cognitive Science Society, CogSci 2011
EditorsLaura Carlson, Christoph Hoelscher, Thomas F. Shipley
PublisherThe Cognitive Science Society
Pages795-800
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9780976831877
Publication statusPublished - 2011
Event33rd Annual Meeting of the Cognitive Science Society: Expanding the Space of Cognitive Science, CogSci 2011 - Boston, United States
Duration: 20 Jul 201123 Jul 2011

Publication series

NameExpanding the Space of Cognitive Science - Proceedings of the 33rd Annual Meeting of the Cognitive Science Society, CogSci 2011

Conference

Conference33rd Annual Meeting of the Cognitive Science Society: Expanding the Space of Cognitive Science, CogSci 2011
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBoston
Period20/07/1123/07/11

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Cognitive Neuroscience

Keywords

  • free classification
  • overall similarity
  • spatial separability
  • time pressure
  • unidimensional

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