Subjects in a study are asked to press a left-hand key if the image on a computer screen is a bird or a right-hand key if it is not a bird, and to respond as quickly as possible. On any given trial they may see a bird or some other image (e.g., window, car, pencil, cow, flower, paintbrush, etc.). On one trial, an image of a bat is flashed on screen and a subject responds by pressing the left-hand "is a bird" key. This error could be explained by _______ theory, specifically by using the argument that a bat shares a number of characteristics with birds.
A) transfer
B) prototype
C) feature
D) exemplar

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The feature theory suggests that objects are recognized by their features. A bat shares features with birds, such as wings and the ability to fly, which could lead to the error.

Subjects in a Study Are Asked to Press a Left-Hand