TCD-CS-93-28
.. Keane M.T.
Adaptation as a Selection Constraint On Analogical Mapping.
December 1993.
ABSTRACT
In any given analogy, there are potentially a large number of
possible mapping interpretations. One of the key issues in analogy
research is how one of these mappings comes to be selected as
optimal and used as the basis for the analogical comparison. It is
well-established that structural factors, notably systematicity, can
act as selection constraints on mapping. The present work tests to see
if pragmatic and adaptation factors can also act as selection
constraints on mapping. The selection of a mapping based on
pragmatic factors proposes that people can exploit the higher-order,
schematic structure of a domain to select one mapping over another.
With respect to adaptation factors, the proposal is that a mapping
will be selected if it is evaluated as being easily adapted relative to
other competing mappings. Both of these predictions are tested in a
novel, problem solving paradigm. The main finding is that
adaptation factors do act as a selection constraint but that pragmatic
factors do not. The implications of these results for computational
models of analogy are discussed.
Keywords: Analogy, Mapping, Adaptation, Problem Solving,
Thinking.
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