The _____ proposes that concepts consist of separate representations of experienced examples of the category.

Exemplar theory posits that our understanding of concepts is derived from specific instances or examples that we have encountered in our experiences. Instead of relying on a single prototype or a set of defining features to categorize objects, this theory suggests that people form mental representations based on numerous individual examples within a category. Each experience contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the entire category by allowing us to compare new instances against these stored examples. This approach emphasizes the role of memory and personal experience in how we recognize and categorize things in the world around us.

In contrast, the other theories mentioned rely on different methods for concept formation. The classical representation model focuses on defining features that must be present for an object to belong to a category. The feature-based model similarly hinges on specific characteristics to identify category membership, and the prototype model suggests that we have a mental average or ideal representation of a category rather than relying on particular instances. Therefore, exemplar theory stands out by highlighting the influence of actual experiences on our understanding of categories.