In evaluating retrieval rates for category information for a concept, Collins and Quillian's semantic network approach would predict the slowest reaction times for which of the following statements using a sentence verification technique?
A) A field sparrow is a bird.
B) A field sparrow is a sparrow.
C) A field sparrow is an animal.
D) A field sparrow is a field sparrow.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Collins and Quillian's semantic network model, the time it takes to retrieve information about a concept increases with the distance between categories in a hierarchical structure. Since "animal" is a more general category and further away in the hierarchy from "field sparrow" than "bird," "sparrow," or the concept "field sparrow" itself, it would take longer to verify that a field sparrow is an animal.

In Evaluating Retrieval Rates for Category Information for a Concept