TY - JOUR
T1 - Cognitive load privileges memory-based over data-driven processing, not group-level over person-level processing
AU - Skorich, Daniel P.
AU - Mavor, Kenneth I.
PY - 2013/9
Y1 - 2013/9
N2 - In the current paper, we argue that categorization and individuation, as traditionally discussed and as experimentally operationalized, are defined in terms of two confounded underlying dimensions: a person/group dimension and a memory-based/data-driven dimension. In a series of three experiments, we unconfound these dimensions and impose a cognitive load. Across the three experiments, two with laboratory-created targets and one with participants' friends as the target, we demonstrate that cognitive load privileges memory-based over data-driven processing, not group- over person-level processing. We discuss the results in terms of their implications for conceptualizations of the categorization/individuation distinction, for the equivalence of person and group processes, for the ultimate 'purpose' and meaningfulness of group-based perception and, fundamentally, for the process of categorization, broadly defined.
AB - In the current paper, we argue that categorization and individuation, as traditionally discussed and as experimentally operationalized, are defined in terms of two confounded underlying dimensions: a person/group dimension and a memory-based/data-driven dimension. In a series of three experiments, we unconfound these dimensions and impose a cognitive load. Across the three experiments, two with laboratory-created targets and one with participants' friends as the target, we demonstrate that cognitive load privileges memory-based over data-driven processing, not group- over person-level processing. We discuss the results in terms of their implications for conceptualizations of the categorization/individuation distinction, for the equivalence of person and group processes, for the ultimate 'purpose' and meaningfulness of group-based perception and, fundamentally, for the process of categorization, broadly defined.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84884135966&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1111/j.2044-8309.2012.02099.x
DO - 10.1111/j.2044-8309.2012.02099.x
M3 - Article
SN - 0144-6665
VL - 52
SP - 469
EP - 488
JO - British Journal of Social Psychology
JF - British Journal of Social Psychology
IS - 3
ER -