Categories higher in a conceptual hierarchy are said to be _____ to lower levels, while categories lower are referred to as being _____ to higher levels.

Categories that are higher in a conceptual hierarchy are termed "superordinate" because they represent broader, more inclusive categories that encompass a wide range of related concepts or specific examples. For instance, the category "animal" is a superordinate category that includes various subordinate categories like "dog," "cat," or "bird."

Conversely, categories that are lower in the hierarchy are labeled as "subordinate." These represent more specific instances or members within a broader category. In the previous example, "dog" would be a subordinate category of "animal." This hierarchical structure allows for organization in our understanding of how concepts relate to one another, with superordinate categories providing a more general view and subordinate categories delving into the specifics.

Recognizing this distinction is important in cognitive psychology as it influences how we process, categorize, and retrieve information based on the relationships embedded within these hierarchies.