According to the semantic feature-comparison model, how is semantic memory structured?

The semantic feature-comparison model posits that semantic memory is structured as overlapping feature lists of concepts, which allows for the representation of shared attributes and differences between concepts in our memory. This model suggests that when we consider two concepts, we compare their features to determine how similar or dissimilar they are. For example, the concepts of "sparrow" and "penguin" may both share features such as "animal" and "bird," but differ in features like "can fly" or "lives in cold environments."

This overlapping feature structure helps in organizing information in a way that facilitates quick retrieval and comprehension, allowing individuals to draw on their knowledge of similarities and differences among concepts. Thus, the correct answer highlights the model's core assumption about how semantic memory is interrelated through shared and distinctive features. This approach contrasts with the other answer choices, which do not align with the foundational ideas of the semantic feature-comparison model.