Knowledge of Concept Prototypes of Students who are Blind or Have Low Vision

Abstract

In this study, 37 students who were blind or had low vision listed as many members (examples) of 10 categories (concepts) as they could. The prototype order of the examples they listed was scored according to norms developed by Rosch. The students who were blind or had low vision did not differ in their scores, but the older students (aged 13–21) produced more members and more members in correct prototype order than did the younger students (aged 6–12). Categories with which the students had a greater degree of direct sensory experience produced more members and higher prototype-order scores.

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