Abstract
This study explored the effect of superordinate categories on feature attributions and inductive reasoning among preschoolers. In Experiment I, 21 five-, and 19 six-year-olds were presented three sets of stimuli. Each set consisted of twelve drawings from each of three superordinate categories : animals, insects, and vegetables. Subjects were asked to select stimuli as having features relevant to each category. Category members identified as animals, insects, or vegetables were more often selected to have the features, compared with category members not identified. In Experiment II, 21 five-, and 18 six-year-olds were asked to do the same as in Experiment I, except that they were informed that one category member had these same features. The selection rates for category members identified as animals, insects, or vegetables were generally higher than in Experiment I, but the selection rates for category members not identifred were similar to those in Experirnent I. These results were interpreted as evidence that preschoolers based feature attributions and inductive reasoning, to some extent, on superordinate categories.
