A concept is an abstract idea or generalization. Any idea that doesn't correspond to a specific physical thing is a concept. As such, concepts are a foundational element of thought, language and communication. The following are common examples of a concept.
There are many other types of concepts. In cognitive psychology, we call them schema. Common types of schema include object schema, gender schema, role schema, person schema, self schema, and event schema. To learn about the psychological science behind cognitive schema (i.e. concepts), see my guide: the 5 types of schema.
Key concepts are ideas that are abstract, timeless and broadly applicable. These are the foundations of knowledge and primary benefit of learning as they can be applied to a great many problems. While the details of a lesson, textbook or creative work are quickly forgotten, key concepts can potentially stay with learners for their entire life.
Types of Concepts. Concepts can be categorized into two main types: concrete and abstract. Understanding these types helps in grasping how concepts function in various contexts. Concrete Concepts. Concrete concepts refer to tangible, physical objects or experiences. These are things you can see, touch, or measure. For example:
Types of Concepts. We can classify concepts into two major types, logical concepts and natural concepts. Logical concepts; Logical concepts have clearly defined rules for determining membership. Schoolchildren, for example, learn that the concept of a triangle applies to any three-sided form or figure. If a figure has three sides, it must be a ...
Model basic concepts during shared book readings. Ask wh-questions. Asking ‘where’ questions elicits a response containing a spatial concept (under, on top) Example: Where is the cat? “Under the table.” Asking ‘when’ questions elicits a response containing a temporal concept (after, later). Example: When did she brush her teeth?
Superordinate Concepts. A superordinate concept refers to something in the most abstract way possible. Take a flower, for example. There are different types and families of flowers, but if someone ...
Types of Concepts. Precise concepts: Have clearly defined characteristics without ambiguity. Vague concepts: Lack of sharp boundaries and clear definition of attributes. Prototype concepts: Represented by a 'best example' with a family resemblance to other members of the concept. Exemplar concepts: Represented by specific examples stored in memory rather than abstract definitions.
These concepts help explain social structures, norms, identity, and interactions. Examples include concepts like equality, justice, power, identity, culture, and socialization. Social concepts provide insights into how individuals and groups function within society, shaping our understanding of social dynamics and societal issues. Conclusion
A concept is formed in the mind when we learn examples and a definition, and acquire its mental representation by comparing and contrasting it with other concepts. But it's a lot more complicated than this. A car is a concept. So is a monkey. Even brands and love are concepts (but not really). There are many incomplete theories of concept formation and different ways to evaluate a concept.
For example, the concept of "gravity" is an empirical concept that can be tested and measured, establishing its validity across various contexts. However, empirical concepts also have limitations. They can sometimes overlook broader contextual factors that influence observations.
Unwritten concepts. We don’t have a monopoly on useful concepts that have large explanatory power. So you can browse a list of important concepts we haven’t written about yet below. Introspection illusion. Systems Thinking. Map and territory. Words as handles. Terminal vs instrumental goals. Hedging. Pareto principle. Statistical distributions
Types of Conceptual Frameworks 1. Descriptive Conceptual Framework. Focus: Describes the key concepts and their relationships without predicting outcomes. Use Case: Ideal for exploratory studies aiming to understand phenomena. Example: A framework illustrating the factors influencing consumer preferences, such as price, quality, and branding. 2. Explanatory Conceptual Framework
People also use categories to instantiate goals in planning (Barsalou, 1983). For example, a person planning to do some night fishing might create an ad hoc concept, THINGS TO BRING ON A NIGHT FISHING TRIP, which would include a fishing rod, tackle box, mosquito repellent, and a flashlight. Concepts are also centrally involved in communication.
For example, concepts may have atomic cores that are linked to prototypes, internalized theories, and so on. ... (Weiskopf 2009). Rather than holding that a single concept (e.g., the concept CAT) has multiple types of structure as components, as in the first form of pluralism, this form takes each type of structure to be a concept on its own ...
Types of Concepts in Psychology: A Mental Menagerie. Just as the animal kingdom boasts a diverse array of species, the world of concepts in psychology is rich with variety. Let’s take a safari through the different types of concepts that populate our mental landscape. 1. Concrete Concepts: These are the most tangible and easily grasped concepts.
Types of Concepts. Psychologists have identified several types of concepts that are essential in understanding human behavior and mental processes. These include: ... Type of Concept. Definition. Example. Attribute-based: Defined by characteristics or attributes "Hot" or "cold" Functional: Based on functions or purposes "Shelter" or ...
This is where concepts become practical and functional. Subordinate Concepts. At the top of the hierarchy are subordinate concepts, the most specific classifications. A dog becomes a poodle, a ...
