Schema Theory

Question 1

Define Schema Theory

Answer 1

a theory of how humans process incoming information
The theory is based on the assumption that humans are active processors of information. People do not passively respond to information. They interpret and integrate it to make sense of their experiences

• Schemas are mental representations that are derived from prior experience and knowledge
• help predict what to expect based on what has happened before.
• used to organize our knowledge
• Scripts are a type of schema that happens over time, are patterns of behaviour that are learned through our interaction with the environment.
• Scripts are developed within a cultural context - they are not universal

Question 2

Aim of Brewer and Treyens

Answer 2

To investigate whether people’s memory for objects in a room is influenced by their schemas about what they expect in an office

Question 3

Method of Brewer and Treyens

Answer 3

• 30 university students who arrived individually to the lab
• asked to wait in an office containining objects (eg, desk, typewriter, coffee- pot, calenders)
• there were other incongruous items like skull and toy tops that did not go along with schemas
• After waiting for some time, participants were called into a room and and asked to write down what they could remember

Question 4

Findings of Brewer and Treyens

Answer 4

• tend to recall items that consisted with a typical office.
• Few ppl remembered the items that were inconsistent.
• some participants reported things that should be there but weren’t

Question 5

Conclusion of Brewer and Treyens

Answer 5

Provides evidence to show that schemas affect our memory and our recall