Bruner stated "to perceive is to categorize, to conceptualize is to categorize, to learn is to form categories, to make decisions is to categorize". Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?
In considering the above-stated question, I agree that humans reduce information into categories in order to reduce cognitive load. In our text, Meadows (2006) discusses the selection and coding of new information, as well as its integration with prior known information that may have similar qualities. Our ability to compartmentalize similar information suggests that we may group such according to similarities and differences.
Yes and I believe that varying theories address this aspect in different manners. Categorization and compartmentalization is critical for understanding how we process information. I feel that Bruner put this at the core of his developmental theory. I too believe that without categorization the information intake would be to vast to process. Any thoughts?
It is interesting how you can compare categorization to information processing, however I believe that categorization has a greater appeal to the general public.
I agree with a portion of Bruner’s statement if for no other reason I believe that children categorize information as they are learning it. For example the act of calling all 4 legged animals a cow when in fact the animal may be a horse. Yes, this accommodation of new information also plays into Piaget’s theory BUT the child is creating a category to understand or make a decision about the information that is being processed. In addition, we also focus on a child’s development based on their ability to categorize information on various characteristics… if a child focuses on 1 characteristic or 2 or if they are able to differentiate between the tiniest of details. I think that a lot of tests and skills taught in schools deals with one’s ability to categorize and make decisions based on these categories.
The difficulty I am currently having with Bruner (and Chomsky too) is that this information is new to me and I’m having trouble thinking of their theories as complete theories on child development. Rather I believe their theories focus on specific aspects of development… I will continue to review the information that you guys have provided to help shape my final paper and observation write up….
In considering the above-stated question, I agree that humans reduce information into categories in order to reduce cognitive load. In our text, Meadows (2006) discusses the selection and coding of new information, as well as its integration with prior known information that may have similar qualities. Our ability to compartmentalize similar information suggests that we may group such according to similarities and differences.
ReplyDeleteYes and I believe that varying theories address this aspect in different manners. Categorization and compartmentalization is critical for understanding how we process information. I feel that Bruner put this at the core of his developmental theory. I too believe that without categorization the information intake would be to vast to process. Any thoughts?
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting how you can compare categorization to information processing, however I believe that categorization has a greater appeal to the general public.
ReplyDelete-Joanne
I agree with a portion of Bruner’s statement if for no other reason I believe that children categorize information as they are learning it. For example the act of calling all 4 legged animals a cow when in fact the animal may be a horse. Yes, this accommodation of new information also plays into Piaget’s theory BUT the child is creating a category to understand or make a decision about the information that is being processed. In addition, we also focus on a child’s development based on their ability to categorize information on various characteristics… if a child focuses on 1 characteristic or 2 or if they are able to differentiate between the tiniest of details. I think that a lot of tests and skills taught in schools deals with one’s ability to categorize and make decisions based on these categories.
ReplyDeleteThe difficulty I am currently having with Bruner (and Chomsky too) is that this information is new to me and I’m having trouble thinking of their theories as complete theories on child development. Rather I believe their theories focus on specific aspects of development… I will continue to review the information that you guys have provided to help shape my final paper and observation write up….