What is referred to as the mental image of the best example of a specific concept or category?

The concept being referred to is a "prototype." In cognitive psychology, a prototype is the mental representation or best example of a specific category or concept. It serves as a cognitive reference point that helps individuals categorize and make judgments about new instances that they encounter. For example, when thinking about the category "bird," a prototype might be a sparrow since it reflects the typical characteristics associated with birds, such as being small, flying, and having feathers.

Prototypes are key in the organization of our thoughts and the way we perceive different categories. They help streamline the process of recognition and categorization by allowing for quick comparisons with new items. The idea of a prototype is grounded in cognitive psychology, particularly in theories of categorization and the study of how knowledge is organized in the mind. This understanding aids in how we learn and navigate different concepts in our environment.