Talk:Prototype Theory

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This article states, "Prototype Theory is a model of graded categorization in Cognitive Science, where all members of a category do not have equal status." But this point is directly denied by Lakoff, citing Rosch, in the article "Cognitive Models and Prototype Theory" in Concepts: Core Readings, MIT Press, 1999. There, he clearly states that goodness-of-example ratings (a prototype effect) do not reflect degree of category membership. He cites Rosch on the same point. The whole article seems to be based on a misunderstanding. Or maybe the problem is just with the ambiguous phrase 'equal status'. Is this referring to category membership or merely degree of prototypicality? --Mediaphd 22:40, 4 May 2006 (UTC)

In cognitive liguistics, a prototype is not the same as a conventional stereotype. Not even close. Rosch has defined the word prototype quite rigorously and exhaustively, resulting in a specific definition bearing little resemblence to the common idea of a stereotype. Someone please fix this blatant error.

OK, could you be more specific, please, concerning the difference? Or, are you splitting hairs?--Wiglaf 19:57, 7 Feb 2005 (UTC)

Er, the article formatting is broken; I'd try fixing it myself, except I'm not sure what it's supposed to look like. WindAndConfusion 07:06, 20 November 2006 (UTC)