The first time José sees a cat, his mother tells him, "That's a cat. Can you say cat?" He repeats the word gleefully, and his mother praises him. The next day, he is watching a cartoon and sees a tiger on the television. He points at the tiger and says, "Cat!" This is an example of ________.
A) generalization
B) spreading activation
C) categorization
D) discrimination

Question

The first time José sees a cat, his mother tells him, "That's a cat. Can you say cat?" He repeats the word gleefully, and his mother praises him. The next day, he is watching a cartoon and sees a tiger on the television. He points at the tiger and says, "Cat!" This is an example of ________.
A) generalization 
B) spreading activation
C) categorization
D) discrimination

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

José has generalized the concept of a "cat" to include other feline animals like tigers, based on his previous experience and learning.

The First Time José Sees a Cat, His Mother Tells