Schema Theory

What is a schema?

-A mental representation based on prior experience that helps us to understand, communicate about and predict the world around us. -They are cognitive structures that organise knowledge stored in our memory. -They are mental representations of categories (from our knowledge, beliefs and expectations) about particular aspects of the world such as people, objects, events, and situations.

How do schema play a role in learning?

According to Piaget, schema play a role in learning by either accomodating information- in which old information is replaced with new information- or by assimilation, in which schema are made richer by adding more information to an existing schema

Definition of schema theory

Cognitive theory of processing and organising information. Schema theory states that "as active processors of information, humans integrate new information with existing, stored information."

What studies can be used to prove this theory?

Darley and Gross, Bartlett, and Brewer and Treyens

Can this theory be proven?

It is not possible to see how knowledge is processed and stored in the brain, but the concept of schema theory helps psychologists understand and discuss what cannot be seen.

Self-schemas

Organise information we have about ourselves (information stored in our memory about our strengths and weaknesses and how we feel about them).

Scripts

Provide information about the sequence of events that occur in particular contexts (e.g. going to a restaurant, visiting the dentist, attending class)

Social schemas

Represent information about groups of people (e.g. Americans, Egyptians, women, accountants, etc.). Responsible for stereotypes and racism.

What to say to conclude introductory paragraph

Schema theory will be evaluated, making an appraisal by weighing up strengths and limitations with some reference to studies on the effect of schema on memory. Schema theory provides the theoretical basis for the studies reported below.

Schema theory and memory processes

Schemas processing can affect memory at all stages, according to the 'Multi-store Model' of memory. These stages include: Encoding: transforming sensory information into a meaningful memory Storage: creating a biological trace of the encoded information in memory, which is either consolidated or lost Retrieval: using the stored information This can be farther explained by Brewer and Treyens which consolidates possible ways in which schemas affect memory

What are the types of schemas?

Scripts, self-schemas and social schemas

What are schemas used for?

Used to organise our knowledge, to assist recall, guide our behaviour, predict likely happenings and to help us make sense of current situations. They simplify reality, setting up expectations as to what is probable in relation to particular social and textual contexts.