The role of schemas

• > Schemas are a form of internal mental processes

  > They are mental representations

  > Created through unique knowledge and experience

  > Held in our LTM and can include beliefs such as stereotypes

  > Schemas can change through life and become more detailed through experience
• Why are schemas beneficial?

  > Help us predict what happens in the future

  > Help us make quick decisions

  > A useful mental shortcut that prevents us from being overwhelmed by information from the environment
• Why schemas may not be beneficial?

  > May cause biased recall as we may recall what we expect to see according to our schema, rather then what we have actually witnessed.

  > Negative schemas make an individual vulnerable to depression