How abstract is risk for workers? Expertise, context and introspection in abstract concepts

Abstract

Two studies were performed to test whether abstract concepts are grounded in experience and activate introspective/linguistic information. In Study 1, four groups of participants, each with different expertise in the domain of safety and security at the workplace (S&S), defined abstract concepts belonging to the S&S domain and differing in degree of abstractness. The definitions included mainly situations, confirming grounding of abstract concepts. In Study 2 the task was performed by students with no experience of S&S. The definitions were modulated by participants’ expertise; the role of introspection increased with more abstract concepts. Results support embodied theories on abstract concept