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Recognition (re+cognition) is a process that occurs in thinking when some event, process, pattern, or object recurs. Thus in order for something to be recognized, it must be familiar. This recurrence allows the recognizer to more properly react, and has survival value.
When the recognizer has correctly responded, this is a measure of understanding. For example, when some animals have never seen a human being before, they do not hide and they show no fear; but when they learn that a human being may be a threat, they may emit distress cries, flee or hide.
Even non-mammals can recognize when a situation signals danger, and will flee or hide. Baby spiders will flee when a mother spider sends a sharp pulse along the spider web. A male spider will gently poke a female spider's web to assess whether it is safe to approach the female without being killed himself.
As a social process
When some person is recognized, he or she is accorded some special status, such as a name, title, or classification. Recognition can take many forms, such as mention in the mass media.
Historical example
The Qianlong Emperor of China used large circular logos the size of a dinner plate to distinguish members of his family from his Han subjects. Their symbol of privilege was a Mandarin square on their clothing.Acculturation
It becomes easier for people to be accepted into some social process if they allow themselves to fit into a social identity, as a signal that they implicity accept some social norm. Thus the use of uniform dress is a signal for both group inclusion and acceptance. Gangs use signals and dress for this purpose.Dress codes and norms also occur for religious groups.
As a technological challenge
The technology for correct identification and classification for objects and even people has evolved over centuries; see pattern recognition.
Recognition technology
There is unlikely to be a foolproof technology or mechanism for recognition. At present, efforts are concentrated on developing voice recognition, retinal scanning and face perception by computer.Recognition also bears a measure of risk, that one is wrong.
As a political process
"Recognition" is also the official acceptance of the national status of a new government by another nation.
See also
External links
- Behavioral Model of Visual Perception and Recognition by I.A. Rybak et al.
"Recognition"