Relates to the way in which human categorization works so as to provide a maximally efficient way of representing information about frequently encountered objects. Cognitive economy is often stated in terms of the probabilistic notion cue validity. Cue validity is maximised at the basic level, because basic level categories share the largest number of attributes possible while minimising the extent to which these features are shared by other categories.

This means that basic level categories simultaneously maximise the amount of detail they include in their representations (their 'level of inclusiveness'), while maximising their distinctiveness from other categories. This results in optimal cognitive conomy.