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Categorization is the cognitive process of grouping objects, ideas, or events based on shared characteristics. This fundamental human ability allows us to organize information, make sense of the world, and interact with our environment more efficiently. We form categories by identifying similarities and differences among stimuli, creating mental frameworks that simplify complexity.

The process of categorization can be explicit or implicit. Explicit categorization involves conscious effort to assign items to specific groups, such as sorting mail or organizing a library. Implicit categorization, on the other hand, occurs automatically and unconsciously as we learn and experience new information. For instance, we categorize faces as familiar or unfamiliar without deliberate thought.

Categories can vary in their structure and level of abstraction. Some are well-defined with clear boundaries, like geometric shapes. Others are more fluid and fuzzy, like the category of "games," which has no single defining feature but rather a network of overlapping similarities. Hierarchical categorization allows for nested structures, where broader categories encompass narrower ones, such as animals, mammals, and dogs.

The formation and use of categories are crucial for learning, memory, and decision-making. They enable us to generalize from past experiences, predict the properties of new items, and communicate effectively by using shared labels. However, categorization can also lead to oversimplification, stereotyping, and biases if not applied with care and critical reflection.