The influence of biological cues on the patterns of categorization in non-mental retarded PDD

Abstract

Categorization plays an important role in the development of abstract thinking and helps subjects to cope with complex social interaction. However, in literature, there are a lot different claims about the categorization in pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). In present study, we aim to clarify whether, specifically, biological cues would influence non-mental retarded PDD in categorization. We used the short form of Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) pertaining with and without biological information to evaluate categorization ability in non-mental retarded PDD and typical developmental subjects. It was found that non-mental retarded PDD have more intact responses for physical categories than biological categories. These results allow us to highlight the patterns of deficits in prototype categorization, conceptualizing social function and accompanied specific category learning of PDD. Keywords: categorization, biological cues, pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), WCST


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