Question

Zahra, a shoe designer, is asked to come up with a new design for 2015. High heels have been a popular choice for many years. But Zahra recently visited Alaska, where people wear thick boots. According to exemplar theory, which of the following describes the most likely new shoe design?

A) An entirely unique and never-before-seen design
B) A design that closely resembles the average of all existing shoe designs
C) A design that closely matches the prototype of "shoe"
D) A design based on current fashion trends

Answer 1

Exemplar theory implies that Zahra's new shoe design would likely be a blend of various shoe designs she has experienced, resembling the average of all shoe types she's familiar with, while incorporating practical and comfortable features.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to exemplar theory, an individual's new concepts are influenced by all the examples of that category that they have experienced. So, if Zahra, a shoe designer, is to create a new shoe design after having visited Alaska where thick boots are popular, she would likely be influenced by this recent experience. However, the exemplar theory suggests that she would incorporate aspects of various shoe designs she has encountered over time, rather than solely base her design on Alaska's boots or follow existing fashion trends strictly.

Therefore, the most likely new shoe design from Zahra based on exemplar theory would be B) A design that closely resembles the average of all existing shoe designs. This design could potentially blend the practicality and comfort found in thick Alaskan boots with the elegant aspects of popular high heels, while still maintaining key characteristics that have been widely recognized in many types of shoes.