The Role of Schema/Schema Theory

• What is schema?

  A packet/face of knowledge (beliefs and information) on a topic that comes from prior experience/expectations. Schemas influence our behaviour.
• Evaluating Schema Theory/The Role of Schema

  • Good: Schemas are mental shortcuts that allow us to quickly interpret information
  • Good: They'll help us fill in the gaps, when information is missing
  • Bad: However, schemas may distort our interpretations of information, leading to perceptual errors