Schema Theory

Question 1

Schemas

Answer 1

Cognitive structures that are derived from prior experience and knowledge
* allows organisms to interpret and understand the world around us

Question 2

3 characteristics of schemas

Answer 2

• simplify reality: setting up expectations about what is probable in relation to particular social and textual contexts
• culturally specific: but may vary even within a single culture because of such factors as class
• used to organise our knowledge: assist recall, guide our behavior, predict likely happenings, and help us make sense of current experiences

Question 3

Why do we have schemas?

Answer 3

The world is filled with more stimuli than any person can fully process without being overwhelmed, therefore:
* when new information aligns with an existing pattern, it is associated with the relevant schema, which significantly simplifies the processes of encoding, storing, and retrieving information from memory

Question 4

5 steps of schemas

Answer 4

1. Sensory input
2. Attention
3. Recall information from episodic/semantic memory
4. Activate adequate schema
5. Reponse

Question 5

Two main schema processes (suggested by Jean Piaget in 1926)

Answer 5

• Accommodation: Replacing an old schema with a new one (e.g., adapting to new technology)
• Assimilation: Adding new information to an existing schema (e.g., learning how different showers work)

Question 6

Scripts

Answer 6

Schemas for events in time (e.g. celebrating Christmas or dining at a restaurant)
* when events don’t follow our scripts, it can lead to frustration, confusion, or disappointment

Question 7

Evaluating schemas (Testable)

Answer 7

• We are able to determine whether the schema helps or interferes with learning
  
  • supported by Bartlett and Brewer & Treyens

Question 8

Evaluating schemas (Evidence)

Answer 8

There is biological research to support the way in which the brain categorizes input
* Mahon et al (2009) found that from the visual cortex, information about living and non-living objects is shuttled to different parts of the brain - even in blind participants
* findings suggest that our brains automatically sort information and classify it, in the same manner that schema theory predicts

Question 9

Evaluating schemas (Applicable)

Answer 9

• memory: reliability of memory and memory distortion
• abnormal psychology: therapy for depression and anxiety
• relationships: research on violence and bullying, theories of mate selection
• health psychology: health campaigns to change unhealthy behaviours

Question 10

Evaluating schemas (Concept)

Answer 10

Cohen (1993) argued that the concept of schema is too vague and hypothetical to be useful
* Schemas can’t be observed

Question 11

Evaluating schemas (Unbiased)

Answer 11

There is no apparent bias in the research, although most of the early research was done in the West

Question 12

Evaluating schemas (Predictive)

Answer 12

• The theory helps to predict behaviour (Eg. what types of information will be best recalled when given a list of words)
  
  • Omitting information that is not of high relevance, are commonly seen in recalling a news story
• However, we cannot predict exactly what an individual will recall as it may depend on the person