An Asymmetry in Shape and Shape Word Interference: Evidence for Core Geometric Knowledge
Document Type
Presentation
Presentation Date
3-2014
Abstract or Description
Nativists have postulated fundamental geometric knowledge that predates linguistic and symbolic thought. Central to these claims is the existence of an isolated cognitive system dedicated to processing geometric information. Testing such hypotheses presents challenges due to difficulties in eliminating the combination of geometric and non-geometric information through language. We present evidence using a modified matching interference paradigm that an incongruent shape word interferes with identifying a shape, but an incongruent shape does not interfere with identifying a shape word. This asymmetry in shape and shape word interference suggests that shape words activate spatial representations of shapes but shapes do not activate linguistic representations of shape words. Results are consistent with hypotheses concerning a cognitive system dedicated to processing geometric information isolated from linguistic processing and provide evidence consistent with hypotheses concerning core knowledge of geometric properties of space that predates linguistic and symbolic thought.
Sponsorship/Conference/Institution
Comparative Cognition Society’s International Conference on Comparative Cognition (CCS)
Location
Melbourne, FL
Recommended Citation
Edwards, Joshua E., Ty W. Boyer, Bradley R. Sturz.
2014.
"An Asymmetry in Shape and Shape Word Interference: Evidence for Core Geometric Knowledge."
Department of Psychology Faculty Presentations.
Presentation 27.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/psych-facpres/27
