Year: 2003
Type: article
Abstract: This paper addresses the role of comparison in highlighting relational structure. Specifically, we investigated whether even literal similarity comparisons (where both objects and relations match) can lead to a focus on common relations over equally suitable object matches. Whereas previous studies have demonstrated the highlighting of relations during analogical comparisons (where only relations match), the study presented in this paper suggests that even literal similarity comparisons can promote relational focus. In addition, we explore the role of types of comparison tasks (listing commonalities or listing differences). This extension follows naturally from structure-mapping theory, which predicts that in certain cases, listing differences between two things can actually lead to a heightened focus on the structure common to both.
Authors: Jason Jameson, Dedre Gentner
Institution: Northwestern University
Language: English
Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: Office of Naval Research
Award: G8876996369
OpenAlex ID: W2158067914