Prototypicality

Prototypicality refers to how well an object or concept represents a broader category. For example, a robin is often considered a highly prototypical bird because it has common features like feathers, wings, and a beak, making it a good example of what people typically think of as a bird. Less typical examples, like a penguin, may share some features but lack others, making them less prototypical. This concept helps us understand how people mentally organize and recognize categories by focusing on the most representative or "central" examples.