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Doing with development: moving toward a complete theory of concepts
Haley A Vlach1, Lauren Krogh, Emily E Thom
1Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1563, USA. haleyvlach@ucla.edu
The Behavioral and Brain Sciences
|June 30, 2010
Summary
Ignoring concept development hinders research progress. This study proposes a new conceptual framework that integrates developmental research, offering a more complete understanding of concept acquisition and future research directions.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Science
- Developmental Psychology
- Philosophy of Mind
Background:
- The construct of "concept" is debated in its utility for research progress.
- Machery argues that the concept construct hinders scientific advancement.
- Developmental research offers crucial insights into concept acquisition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the limitations of current conceptual frameworks by integrating developmental research.
- To propose a novel framework for understanding concepts that accounts for their acquisition.
- To redirect future research on concepts by emphasizing developmental processes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of conceptual frameworks and developmental psychology research.
- Theoretical analysis of the role of development in concept formation.
- Proposal of a new integrated framework for conceptual research.
Main Results:
- Current conceptual frameworks may overlook the essential role of development.
- Developmental research significantly enhances the understanding of how concepts are acquired.
- An integrated framework can provide a more robust and complete theory of concepts.
Conclusions:
- The construct of "concept" need not detract from research progress if development is incorporated.
- Developmental research is critical for a comprehensive theory of concepts.
- The proposed framework offers a promising new direction for the study of concepts.
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