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Structural alignment facilitates the noticing of differences
1Psychology Department, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60608, USA. gentner@northwestern.edu
Memory & Cognition
|August 16, 2001
Summary
Comparing similar concepts highlights both their commonalities and related differences. This study shows that the comparison process itself makes differences more noticeable, supporting structural alignment theory.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Cognitive Science
- Psychology
Background:
- High-similarity concept pairs often reveal numerous commonalities and related differences.
- Previous research suggested this difference advantage supports structural alignment theory.
- Alternative explanations proposed that stored differences, not the comparison process, might cause this effect.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether the comparison process itself enhances the psychological availability of differences.
- To determine if the difference advantage is a direct result of comparison or other factors.
- To test the structural alignment claim that comparison fosters noticing both commonalities and differences.
Main Methods:
- Three experiments were conducted where participants listed commonalities and differences for word pairs.
- Time pressure was applied during difference listing for previously compared (old) and new pairs.
- Experiment 2 involved mere coprocessing (thematic relations) instead of direct comparison.
- Experiment 3 manipulated the depth of common systems within concept pairs.
Main Results:
- Participants listed significantly more differences for old pairs than for new pairs, indicating comparison facilitates difference detection.
- The advantage in listing differences was specific to the comparison process; mere coprocessing did not yield the same benefit and could inhibit it.
- Pairs with deeper commonalities elicited a greater number of specific, alignable differences.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the structural alignment theory.
- The comparison process actively promotes the noticing of both commonalities and related differences.
- Psychological availability of differences is enhanced by the act of comparison itself.
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