schema

Question 1

schema

Answer 1

A schema is a mental framework of beliefs and expectations that influence cognitive processing. They are developed through experience.
Schema theory states that all knowledge is organised into units and within these units is stored information.
A schema is a generalised description or a method of understanding and representing knowledge.
Schemas are amended and improved through experience.
We could consider a schema to be a ‘package’ of ideas or information developed through experience.

Question 2

usefulness

Answer 2

Schemas can be useful as they allow us to take shortcuts in interpreting the vast amount of information available in our environment, meaning we can interpret information quickly and prevent us from being overwhelmed by environmental stimuli.

Question 3

errors in thinking

Answer 3

Schemas can lead to errors in thinking.
For example, a child may develop a schema for a horse involving size, four legs and a tail. When the child sees a cow for the first time, they might call it a horse as it has the same features.
Once told that the cow is a different animal, the child will modify the existing schema for a horse and create a new schema for a cow.

Question 4

bias

Answer 4

These mental frameworks cause us to focus only on the things that confirm our preexisting beliefs, ideas and perceptions.
For example, by holding negative schemas about immigrants, this existing schema may cause people to interpret situations incorrectly.