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Synonyms
Definition
Abstract mapping refers to the process of linking the essential conceptual elements from two sets of information to form new knowledge.
Description
Abstract mapping is a psycholinguistic model that attempts to explain the processes needed to form concepts as well as to organize and to integrate information to support memory, reasoning, and learning [1, 2]. Abstract mapping is an extension of models used to describe young children’s acquisition of new vocabulary, syntax, and expressive language skills [1, 3, 5, 7].
Mapping refers to the connecting of the underlying elements (abstract) from two sets of information to form a new concept. The connections or correspondences are made between a familiar knowledge base (source) with new stimuli (target). The correspondences are based upon similarities of perceptual features, functions, relationships, and meanings. The process of forming and altering connections contribute to the increase and expansion of knowledge [1, 3, 4, 5, 7].
Correspondences can be created across linguistic and spatial domains [1, 3, 4]. These correspondences influence the development of schema or a framework to organize knowledge domains. Language is used to divide domains into smaller categories to facilitate storage and retrieval of information from memory [1, 3, 4, 6].
Abstract mapping is a model used to depict the intricate network of concept development and learning.
References
Fauconnier, G. (1997). Mappings in thought and language. Cambridge: Cambridge, UK.
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Forbus, K. (2001). Exploring analogy in the large. In D. Gentner, K. Holyoak, & B. Kokinov (Eds.), The analogical mind: Perspectives from cognitive science (pp. 24–58). Cambridge, MA: MIT.
Gattis, M. (2001). Space as a basis for abstract thought. In M. Gattis (Ed.), Spatial schemas and abstract thought (pp. 1–12). Cambridge, MA: MIT.
Karmiloff, K., & Karmiloff-Smith, A. (2002). Pathways to language: From fetus to adolescent. Cambridge, MA: Harvard.
Piaget, J., Henriques, G., & Ascher, E. (1992). Morphisms and categories: Comparing and transforming (T. Brown, Ed. & Trans.). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.
Tomasello, M. (2003). Constructing a language: A usage-based theory of language acquisition. Cambridge, MA: Harvard.
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Millians, M. (2011). Abstract Mapping. In: Goldstein, S., Naglieri, J.A. (eds) Encyclopedia of Child Behavior and Development. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79061-9_17
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79061-9_17
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
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