Is Domain-General Object Recognition Ability a Novel Construct?

Abstract

Domain-general object recognition (o) is the ability to discriminate between objects at the subordinate level. It describes the general ability that applies across object categories, in contrast to abilities that apply only to a specific category. Interest in this ability emerged from vision research and cognitive neuroscience. However, research into high-level visual abilities has been relatively independent of the wider literature on individual differences in abilities. This review seeks to bridge this gap. To assess whether o represents a novel construct, we compare it with the closest preexisting constructs. We argue that abilities such as visual memory and perceptual speed share conceptual overlap with o, but none of these abilities have the kind of subordinate-level discrimination at their core that o does. Despite theoretical differences, some tests of these constructs may serve as adequate indicators of o. We also connect o to theory about the structure of cognitive abilities.