Prototype theory is a way of organizing things into groups based on how important or typical they are (Higgins et al., 2017; Schneider & Blankmeyer, 1983). Some things in a group are considered more important or typical than others. This system helps our brain recognize and remember things better. It also affects how we label and group new information. However, this way of categorizing can lead to unfair treatment and biased thinking. We compare things to an ideal or typical example called a prototype (Dopkins & Gleason, 1997). Then we set standards for the group based on that prototype (Dopkins & Gleason, 1997). For example, in the United States, football and baseball are often seen as the best sports, while swimming or track and field may not get as much attention or support.
Dopkins, S., & Gleason, T. (1997). Comparing exemplar and prototype models of categorization. Canadian Journal of Experimental Psychology, 51, 212 230.
Higgins, E. X., Rholes, W. S., & Jones, C. R. (1977). Category accessibility and impression formation. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 13, 141 154.
Schneider, D., & Blankmeyer, B. L. (1983). Prototype salience and implicit personality theories. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 44, 712 722.