What term describes the mental representation of a category that is derived from multiple instances of that category?

The term that describes the mental representation of a category derived from multiple instances of that category is known as an exemplar representation. This approach emphasizes the idea that individuals store specific examples or instances of objects or events that belong to a category. When someone encounters a new instance, they compare it to the stored exemplars to make judgments about its category membership.

For example, if you think of a "dog," rather than relying on a single average or ideal "dog" representation, you may recall specific dogs you have seen—like your childhood pet or a neighbor's dog. This approach provides a nuanced understanding of category membership, allowing flexibility as new exemplars are encountered.

Prototype representation, on the other hand, refers to an average or idealized concept of a category, which may not represent all instances but captures common features of that category. Classical categories rely on strict definitions and rules. Feature-based representation focuses on identifying particular attributes that define a category, but it does not involve learning from multiple individual instances. Thus, exemplar representation is distinct in emphasizing personal experience with concrete examples, leading to a richer and more individualized understanding of categorical knowledge.