Object Recognition and Context

According to Robinson-Riegler and Robinson-Riegler (2008), object recognition is defined as "the process whereby we match an incoming stimulus with stored representations for the purpose of identification" (pg. 161). Thus, object recognition is really composed of two steps -- identifying and classifying. Because of this, context is of the utmost importance. Robinson-Reigler and Robinson-Riegler (2008) note that we rarely ever see things the same way. Although we may be able to recognize that a chair is a chair whether it is a throne in a royal palace or an electric chair on death row, the context certainly affects the way a person categorizes and labels the objects he or she sees. For instance, an electric chair may fit into the category with other weapons or methods of execution, while a thrown could quite easily be placed in a category with more positive connotations. Simply stating that a throne and an electric chair are chairs would be too broad and would not give them the significance that is attached to their meaning.

Thus, in differentiating between items like electric chairs and thrones, context is rather important. This is not only for reasons of significance, but because when an electric chair or throne is recognized, the fact that it is a chair is not the predominate feature of either or these objects. While a person asked to identify them with a series of multiple choice answers would answer "chair" rather than "boat" or "car," a person asked to identify them without such answers would surely not give the bland designation, "chair" to either of these important objects. Furthermore, if either of these objects were out of context -- such as an electric chair in a throne room ore a throne on death row -- one may, indeed, have trouble identifying them, certainly as what they are but perhaps even as "chairs."

References

Robinson-Riegler, G. & Robinson-Riegler, B. (2008). Psychology: Applying the Sicence

of the Mind. Second Edition. New Jersey: Pearson.