Categorization

Description of the instrument
Categorization is based on successful comparison, differentiation, and discrimination. This instrument helps individuals develop the flexibility and divergent thinking necessary for categorizing and recategorizing the same objects into different sets as the principles and para meters of categorization change with new needs and objectives. In categorizing, an individual moves from establishing relationships among concrete items to projecting relationships among concepts. This ability is essential to and basic for logical and verbal operations.

Cognitive functions developed

• Comparative behavior to ascertain similarities and differences.
• Selection of relevant attributes.
• Summative behavior.
• Projection of relationships.
• Determination of cognitive categories.

Mediation of sample task
Mediation of goal-seeking, goal-planning, and goal- achieving behavior is indicated for the sample tasks below. Mediation of challenge is elicited in the complex task at the bottom. Individuation is mediated in comparing two alternative solutions to the same task.

Sample task