On the Development of Prototypes and Preferences

Abstract

Using a methodology previously established to investigate prototype development, the present study evaluated the hypothesis that prototypicality is the basis for aesthetic preference. Over the course of several sorting trials, subjects classified (with feedback) computer-generated random asterisk patterns (exemplars) into two categories, each of which represented a different predetermined prototype pattern. Subjects did not see the prototype patterns during this learning phase, but were exposed to them in a subsequent sorting test phase during which sorting speed and accuracy measures were taken for old exemplars, new exemplars and prototypes. Following this test phase, preference ratings for old exemplars, new exemplars and prototype patterns were obtained. Various indices of prototype development, reflecting sorting speed and accuracy of classification of test patterns, were derived for individual subjects. The results indicated that although overall “classic” prototype effects emerged for both latency and accuracy measures, there was no evidence that prototype development was involved with preference judgments. Alternative theoretical and methodological considerations are offered.