Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 4, 2026
06:08
Exploring the Role of Deontic Reasoning and World Knowledge in Wason´s Selection Task
Published on: July 22, 2025
1.1K
Identifying and counting objects: The role of sortal concepts
1Philosophy Department, Northwestern University, 1860 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.
Cognition
|September 1, 2015
Summary
Psychological theories suggest sortal concepts guide object individuation and identity. However, experiments show these concepts do not determine object persistence or clear individuation criteria for ordinary objects undergoing change.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Philosophy of Mind
- Linguistics
Background:
- Sortal terms (e.g., table, horse) are basic-level concepts.
- Theories propose sortals provide psychological conditions for object individuation and identity over time.
- Psychologists have investigated the role of sortal concepts in object perception and reasoning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the psychological reality of sortal concepts in object individuation and identity.
- To test whether sortal concepts provide determinate conditions for object persistence and individuation.
- To examine how ordinary objects undergoing ordinary changes are conceptualized.
Main Methods:
- Five experiments were conducted using ordinary objects undergoing common changes.
- Experiments 1-3 focused on object persistence and identity over time.
- Experiments 4-5 examined conditions for object individuation.
Main Results:
- Sortal concepts do not appear to determine when an object ceases to exist.
- Sortal concepts do not consistently provide criteria for object identity over time.
- Sortal concepts do not always offer determinate conditions for individuating objects, such as counting items in a room.
Conclusions:
- The psychological claims that sortal concepts provide determinate conditions for object individuation and identity are challenged.
- Ordinary objects and changes may not align with theoretical expectations of sortal concept application.
- Further research is needed to understand the precise psychological role of sortal concepts.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Natural and Artificial Concepts
694
In psychology, concepts can be divided into two categories: natural and artificial. Natural concepts are formed through direct or indirect experiences. For example, consider the concept of snow. If you live in a place with regular snowfall, such as Essex Junction, Vermont, you know snow through direct experiences. You’ve seen it fall, touched it, shoveled it, and played in it. You recognize its texture, appearance, and even its smell. In contrast, if you live on an island like Saint...
694
02:31Scientific Laws and Theories
91.8K
Scientific Laws
91.8K
01:16Models, Theories, and Laws
9.7K
Scientists frequently use models to help them comprehend a specific collection of phenomena. In physics, a model is a condensed version of a physical system that is too complex to study thoroughly. One such example is the light wave model; unlike water waves, light waves are typically invisible to us. Nonetheless, it is helpful to think of light as being composed of waves, since investigations show that light behaves like water waves. Since it is impossible to visually see what is genuinely...
9.7K
01:30Scientific Nature of Social Psychology
757
Social psychology is a scientific discipline dedicated to understanding how individuals think, feel, and behave in social contexts. Unlike common sense, which relies on anecdotal experiences and intuition, social psychology employs systematic research and empirical methods to ensure objectivity and reliability. This distinction is fundamental in distinguishing scientifically supported findings from mere speculation.Four fundamental scientific values guide a structured approach to research in...
757
01:24Concepts and Prototypes
643
The human nervous system handles vast amounts of information by translating sensory stimuli into neural impulses, which the brain processes, creating thoughts expressed through language or stored as memories. The brain also synthesizes information from emotions and memories, which significantly influence thoughts and behaviors. This intricate process creates a comprehensive mental picture.
The brain organizes this information using concepts, which are mental categories grouping linguistic data,...
The brain organizes this information using concepts, which are mental categories grouping linguistic data,...
643
01:13Psychology as a Science
4.2K
Psychology, as a scientific discipline, aims to understand the mind and behavior through rigorous and systematic methods. The foundation of psychological research is evidence-based, relying heavily on the scientific method to derive and validate knowledge. This structured approach ensures that findings are reliable, valid, and applicable to broader contexts.
The scientific method in psychology involves six critical steps: making observations, formulating hypotheses, conducting tests, analyzing...
The scientific method in psychology involves six critical steps: making observations, formulating hypotheses, conducting tests, analyzing...
4.2K