Prototype effect

The prototype effect refers to the tendency for people to remember or recognize a typical example, or "prototype," of a category more easily than other examples. For instance, when thinking of a bird, many imagine a robin or sparrow rather than a penguin. This occurs because prototypes are central or most representative of a category, making them more familiar and easier to recall. The effect influences judgment and decision-making, as our mental image of categories is shaped by these prototypes, affecting how we perceive and classify new information.