Template Matching Theory
1. This theory explains that because we store the shape of letters in our memory, we will recognize the way a letter looks no matter what template it is in. This means that a R always looks like a R even if different people right it different ways. The letter must fit in the template, so a P won't be read as a R because it does have the diagonal line coming off of the curve.
2. This fits in with much of the information I've learned in Chapter 2. This chapter often talks about how we can keep the shape of things in our memory so that we can know what it is without having to really struggle. We can identify letters, shapes, and objects even at a glance.
3. The text says that template matching theory would need a "different template for each rotation or slant of a figure" Isn't the point of template matching theory that we would need only a generic template for a letter and then recognize it?
4. The only way I can think of using this is teaching children shapes, letters, and numbers. Other than that, I'm not quite sure how to use this theory.
5. The proof that is offered is that we do in fact recognize a T or T or T. We can read different people's handwriting and still understand what they are trying to say. We can read cursive or print and still know the difference between different letters. I think this examples shows that I do believe this.
6. It is important that we can try out the theories in the book because it helps us to understand the validity of the theory. The examples given in the text regarding Template Matching Theory explain it thoroughly.
7. Again, I would use this information with younger students to teach them their letters, shapes, and numbers.
8. This question does not seem to be necessary regarding Template Matching Theory.
Hi Carlie,
ReplyDeleteIn regards to #3, there is another theory the text does not mention in Chapter 2 (it does mention it in Chapter 8): the prototype model. The prototype model is similar to what you are describing in that there is a "fuzzy" template that you compare things to, and they don't have to match exactly. The template model is more of an exact match. the book isn't very clear on the distinction, but in both cases the idea is the same...you are matching something you see to an existing whole category.
After reading your blog, I can see how making the connection to elementary teachers or students can be made. They mentioned letter identification or recognition which is an elementary concept. Although I do feel that there is ways to incorporate this into middle school as well as high school. On the discussion board seperating polygons was mentioned and categorizing most abstract terms was mentioned. This becomes more complicated but as the learned begin to understand more they will be able to think more abstratly.
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