Language, Categorization, and Visual Search

Similarity relations in visual search predict rapid visual categorization.

How do we perform rapid visual categorization?It is widely thought that categorization involves evaluating the similarity of an object to other category items, but the underlying features and similarity relations remain unknown. Here, we hypothesized that categorization performance is based on perceived similarity relations between items within and outside the category. To this end, we measured...

Search and Categorization∗

The internet has not only reduced consumer search costs, but has also enabled more effi cient and sophisticated search procedures. For example, online consumers can streamline their search process if appropriately defined categories of products and services are available. This paper proposes a search model with product categories where consumers choose which categories to search and firms respo...

Language, Categorization, and Convention

Linguistic meaning is a convention. This article investigates how such conventions can arise for color categories in populations of simulated “agents.” The method uses concepts from evolutionary game theory: A language game where agents assign names to color patches is played repeatedly by members of a population. The evolutionary dynamics employed make minimal assumptions about agents’ percept...

Dynamic Categorization of Semantics of Fashion Language: A Memetic Approach

Categories are not invariant. This paper attempts to explore the dynamic nature of semantic category, in particular, that of fashion language, based on the cognitive theory of Dawkins’ memetics, a new theory of cultural evolution. Semantic attributes of linguistic memes decrease or proliferate in replication and spreading, which involves a dynamic development of semantic category. More specific...

Language , Search and Aporia in Plato’s Seventh Letter