Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 8, 2026
14:38
Creating Objects and Object Categories for Studying Perception and Perceptual Learning
Published on: November 2, 2012
12.3K
The challenge of abstract concepts
Anna M Borghi1, Ferdinand Binkofski2, Cristiano Castelfranchi3
1Department of Psychology, University of Bologna.
Psychological Bulletin
|January 18, 2017
Summary
Abstract concepts lack clear referents, unlike concrete ones. This review explores embodied cognition theories, proposing multiple representations integrating sensorimotor and linguistic data for abstract concept understanding.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Science
- Psychology
- Linguistics
Background:
- Abstract concepts lack concrete referents, posing a challenge for cognitive theories.
- The embodied cognition approach suggests concepts derive meaning from sensory-motor systems.
- Existing evidence for embodied cognition primarily focuses on concrete concepts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review current theories on abstract concept representation.
- To focus on embodied theories and their implications.
- To evaluate the viability of a unified theoretical framework.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of theories on abstract concepts.
- Analysis of embodied cognition perspectives.
- Comparison of different theoretical frameworks (metaphor, situation, emotion, multiple representation).
Main Results:
- Theories vary on the distinction between abstract and concrete concepts.
- Abstract concepts may be grounded in metaphors, situations, introspection, or emotion.
- Multiple representation theories suggest abstract concepts involve both sensorimotor and linguistic information.
Conclusions:
- Multiple representation views, combining embodiment with linguistic/social factors, appear most promising.
- The challenge remains to explain diverse abstract concepts within a single framework.
- Understanding abstract concept representation is crucial for higher-order cognition.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Natural and Artificial Concepts
629
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...
629
01:24Concepts and Prototypes
606
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,...
606
01:28Basic Concept
6.3K
Engineering mechanics is a branch of engineering that studies motion and the forces acting on objects. It is a fundamental subject and forms the basis of many other engineering disciplines. Length, time, mass, and force are some basic concepts in engineering mechanics.
Length, which measures the distance traveled by an object, is a fundamental concept in engineering mechanics. We use coordinates relative to a reference point to describe the distance. Length not only helps to describe the...
Length, which measures the distance traveled by an object, is a fundamental concept in engineering mechanics. We use coordinates relative to a reference point to describe the distance. Length not only helps to describe the...
6.3K
01:20Understanding Self-Concept
369
The self-concept encompasses individuals' beliefs about themselves, structured through cognitive frameworks known as self-schemas. These schemas function as mental representations of specific traits or behaviors, influencing how self-relevant information is perceived, processed, and remembered. For example, individuals who are schematic for body weight are more likely to interpret routine experiences—such as dining out or shopping—through the lens of that trait. Conversely, those...
369
01:24Generalization, Discrimination, and Extinction
1.7K
Generalization, discrimination, and extinction are key concepts in operant conditioning that influence how behaviors are learned and maintained.
Generalization occurs when a behavior reinforced in one context is performed in similar situations. For instance, a student who studies diligently for calculus and receives excellent grades might apply the same study habits to psychology and history, expecting similar results. Generalization shows how learning in one setting can influence behavior in...
Generalization occurs when a behavior reinforced in one context is performed in similar situations. For instance, a student who studies diligently for calculus and receives excellent grades might apply the same study habits to psychology and history, expecting similar results. Generalization shows how learning in one setting can influence behavior in...
1.7K
01:54Attitudes
33.5K
Attitude is our evaluation of a person, an idea, or an object. We have attitudes for many things ranging from products that we might pick up in the supermarket to people around the world to political policies. Typically, attitudes are favorable or unfavorable: positive or negative (Eagly & Chaiken, 1993). And, they have three components: an affective component (feelings), a behavioral component (the effect of the attitude on behavior), and a cognitive component (belief and knowledge;...
33.5K