Question

An organized cluster of knowledge about a particular object or event is called a: A. semantic network. B. conceptual hierarchy. C. schema. D. retrieval cue.

Short answer

Answer: Schema

Step-by-step solution

Understand each term

First, let's understand the meanings of each term: A. Semantic Network: It is a representation of concepts and the relationships between them, often depicted as a graph with nodes (representing concepts) and edges (representing relationships). B. Conceptual Hierarchy: It is an organization of concepts in a hierarchy or a tree structure, where higher-level concepts encompass lower-level concepts. C. Schema: It is a cognitive framework or organized cluster of knowledge that helps us organize and interpret new information. D. Retrieval Cue: It is a hint or a trigger that helps in recalling a memory or information from the long-term memory.

Match the definition with the correct term

Now, let us match the definition given in the question, i.e., "an organized cluster of knowledge about a particular object or event" with the correct term: A. Semantic Network: It is a representation of relationships between concepts, not specifically about a particular object or event. B. Conceptual Hierarchy: It organizes concepts hierarchically, but it's not necessarily focused on a specific object or event. C. Schema: It provides an organized cluster of knowledge, which can be about a particular object or event. This fits the definition given in the question. D. Retrieval Cue: It helps in recalling information, but it is not an organized cluster of knowledge. Based on the understanding of each term, we can conclude that the correct answer is: C. Schema

Key concepts

Semantic Network

A semantic network is a visualization of concepts and their connections, functioning much like a map. Imagine using nodes as concepts and edges as relationships. Each node may represent an idea like "animals" or "musical instruments." The edges are the links between these ideas, showing how they relate or interact. For example, an edge could connect "dog" and "animal" to show that a dog is a type of animal. This method of organizing information helps people grasp complex ideas by breaking them into smaller, interconnected parts.

The power of semantic networks lies in their ability to illustrate not just direct relationships, but also to connect different clusters of information. This approach allows for a broader understanding of how various concepts influence each other, making it a powerful tool in cognitive psychology and artificial intelligence. By using semantic networks, people can retrieve information more efficiently, as relationships are clearly defined and visualized.

Conceptual Hierarchy

Conceptual hierarchy organizes concepts in a structured, layered manner, resembling a tree. Imagine starting with a broad concept and branching out into more specific categories. For example, under the broad concept of "living things," you might have "animals" and "plants," each of which can be further divided into more specific types like "mammals" and "flowers."

This organization method makes it easier to understand how broad categories divide into more detailed subcategories. It aids in grasping and organizing large amounts of information by providing clear, hierarchical relationships.

In an educational context, conceptual hierarchies help students understand how smaller concepts fit within larger frameworks, enhancing their learning and memory recall capabilities. By recognizing how ideas build upon each other, learners can better appreciate the structure and interconnection of knowledge across different subjects.

Retrieval Cue

Retrieval cues are essential tools that aid in recalling information stored in memory. Think of a retrieval cue as a trigger or hint that reminds you of something from your past experiences. For instance, the smell of a specific perfume might make you think of a family member who wore it often. This smell acts as a retrieval cue by helping you access memories related to that family member.

These cues are powerful because they connect external stimuli with internal memories, enhancing the ability to retrieve information when needed. They are especially useful in scenarios like studying, where a particular keyword or image might help you remember a larger concept or subject area.

In a more practical sense, use retrieval cues to improve memory performance. Creating associations between new information and existing knowledge can significantly boost your recall ability, making learning more efficient and effective. By actively engaging with retrieval cues, you can better retain and retrieve important information.