Mental models of Boolean concepts

Negation, conjunction, and disjunction are major building blocks in the formation of concepts. This article presents a new model-based theory of these Boolean components. It predicts that individuals simplify the models of instances of concepts. Evidence corroborates the theory and challenges alternative accounts, such as those based on minimal descriptions, algebraic complexity, or structural invariance. A computer program implementing the theory yields more accurate predictions than these rival accounts. Two experiments showed that the numbers of models of a Boolean concept predict the difficulty of formulating a description of it. As mental models may also underlie deductive reasoning, the present theory integrates two hitherto separate areas of investigation.

► Mental models account for Boolean concept learning. ► Models simplify representation of a concept’s instances by eliminating irrelevant attributes. ► Simulation data and two novel experiments corroborate the theory. ► Individuals use relations and quantifiers to describe Boolean concepts, which is not well accounted for by existing theories.