Barsalou, L. W. , Simmons, W.K., Barbey, A. K. and Wilson, C. D. (2003) Grounding conceptual knowledge in modality-specific systems. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 7(2), pp. 84-91. (doi: 10.1016/S1364-6613(02)00029-3) (PMID:12584027)
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Abstract
The human conceptual system contains knowledge that supports all cognitive activities, including perception, memory, language and thought. According to most current theories, states in modality-specific systems for perception, action and emotion do not represent knowledge – rather, redescriptions of these states in amodal representational languages do. Increasingly, however, researchers report that re-enactments of states in modality-specific systems underlie conceptual processing. In behavioral experiments, perceptual and motor variables consistently produce effects in conceptual tasks. In brain imaging experiments, conceptual processing consistently activates modality-specific brain areas. Theoretical research shows how modality-specific re-enactments could produce basic conceptual functions, such as the type–token distinction, categorical inference, productivity, propositions and abstract concepts. Together these empirical results and theoretical analyses implicate modality-specific systems in the representation and use of conceptual knowledge.
Item Type: | Articles |
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Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Barsalou, Professor Lawrence |
Authors: | Barsalou, L. W., Simmons, W.K., Barbey, A. K., and Wilson, C. D. |
College/School: | College of Science and Engineering > School of Psychology |
Journal Name: | Trends in Cognitive Sciences |
Publisher: | Elsevier Ltd. |
ISSN: | 1364-6613 |
ISSN (Online): | 1879-307X |
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